Tuberculosis

Definition

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other organs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. TB is diagnosed using a sputum test, chest X-ray, and sometimes a tuberculin skin test or blood tests.
2. Mycobacterium tuberculosis has a high lipid content in its cell wall, making it resistant to many common antibiotics.
3. The bacteria can remain dormant in the body for years before becoming active, leading to latent TB infections.
4. Common symptoms of active TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss.
5. Multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) occurs when the bacteria become resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampin, two of the most powerful anti-TB drugs.

Review Questions

• What are the primary methods used for diagnosing tuberculosis?
• Why is Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistant to many common antibiotics?
• What are the differences between latent and active tuberculosis?

Related terms

Mycobacterium tuberculosis:

The bacterium that causes tuberculosis.

Isoniazid:

An antibiotic commonly used to treat active and latent TB.

Multi-Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB): A form of TB that does not respond to at least isoniazid and rifampin.