Pathogen: Mycobacterium
tuberculosis
Description: M. tuberculosis is an obligate
aerobe. Its cell surface contains mycolic acid, which makes it impermeable to
the gram stain therefore need to use an acid-fast stain.
Clinical diseases: Primary TB is transmitted by aerosol droplets and then deposited
in the lower lobes of the lungs. The bacteria is then ingested
by macrophages (and the myolic acid cell wall of M. Tuberculosis allows the
bacteria to survive and divide). The bacteria forms caseous granulomas
(which leave fibrotic, calcified scars called tubercles that contain a few
dormant organisms).
It is important to note that this primary
infection can spread to other sites by blood or lymphatics and form
extrapulmonary tubercles. Secondary TB can occur when there is a
reactivation of the bacteria and macrophages cause further damage to lung
tissues. The bacteria can spread though blood and lymphatics to other sites -
kidneys, lymph nodes, CNS, and GI; this is considered to be Miliary Tb.
Other sites of TB include: genitourinary, spine (Pott's disease), lymphadenitis, peritoneal, meningitis, and others
Diagnosis:
The Mantoux tuberculin skin test, more
commonly known as the PPD test can be used to detect latent infection. A small amount
of M. bovis (a closely related organism) protein is injected into arm and than the reaction
determines the result. The PPD test however does not confirm an active
infection, as those with latent Tb or those who have had the BCG vaccine may
also have a positive PPD test.
Rapid PCR of sputum samples is available in some settings, and can also detect the gene responsible for Rifampin resistance.
To confirm an active infection a chest x-ray and sputum
sample needs to be taken to evaluate for pulmonary disease. An acid-fast stain is used to detect the infection in
sputum samples. For other sites, demonstration of the organism in tissue is required for definitive diagnosis.
Treatment: Treat
with multiple drugs to avoid resistance: Typically 4 drugs are used for initial therapy. Rifampin, isoniazid (INH),
pyrazinamide, ethambutol, streptomycin are considered "first line", with a standard regimen consisting of INH/RIF/PZA/EMB.
For pulmonary disease: active treatment: Rifampin,
Isoniazid (with B6), Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol for 2 months, followed by
Isoniazid and Rifampin for 4 months.
Extrapulmonary disease may require longer course of therapy.
Latent Treatment: Isoniazid (with
B6) for 9 months.
Other regimens exist for latent TB that may shorten the duration of treatment required. INH may be given with a daily or three-times-weekly dosing regimen.
Epidemiology: According to the World Health Organization
about 13 million individuals have TB worldwide and 1.5 million deaths occur due
to this disease.
Prevention and
control: M. tuberculosis is largely preventable and in the United States
patients are sought out and care for before they develop active disease.
Isolation and proper ventilation systems are a good way of preventing spread of
the disease. In developing countries, children can be given the BCG vaccine,
which reduces the overall incidence and the incidence of more serious manifestations (although it is not fully protective). However, this vaccine is not
effective in adults.