Signs of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (TB)

Description

An infection caused by a slow-growing bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that grows best in areas of the body that have lots of blood and oxygen. The lung is the most common organ involved but infection can be found in almost any other part of the body. Treatment is available but requires multiple medications and requires 6-9 months of therapy. Left untreated this infection can be fatal. Tuberculosis is spread through the air from person to person and the bacteria are released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Patients can have a latent infection where the bacteria are not multiplying. These patients where have no symptoms and cannot spread the disease.

Symptoms

Depends on the organ system involved. Pulmonary (lung) tuberculosis (TB): fever, cough, night sweats, weight loss, cough with bloody sputum, chest pain; tuberculosis (TB) meningitis: headache, vomiting, stiff neck; Disseminated tuberculosis (TB): multiple symptoms including abdominal pain, vomiting, painful urination, bone pain.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. A Mantoux skin test (PPD) will identify previous exposure to tuberculosis (TB). A positive PPD does not necessarily mean one has tuberculosis (TB) but that other tests need to be done. Cultures of multiple body fluids are done as deemed appropriate for the clinical presentation. Imaging studies will done as deemed necessary to evaluate extent of disease.

Standard Workup

CBC
Chem 12
UA
X-Ray
CT Scan
MRI

Treatment

Treatment will require 6-9 months of therapy depending on the location and extent of disease. Standard therapy for active tuberculosis (TB) consists of a 6-month regimen: 2 months isoniazid, rifampin, and pyrazinamide, then 4 months of isoniazid and rifampin. Ethambutol or streptomycin may be added until the drug sensitivity is known.