Tuberculosis Essay

A1. Description of Disease

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, an acid-fast Gram-positive bacillus, and “is characterized by progressive necrosis of the lung tissue” (Tamaro & Lewis, 2005). Tuberculosis is caused by many debilitating conditions like immunosuppression and chronic lung disease, among others. Nevertheless, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), remains the leading cause of tuberculosis worldwide. Tuberculosis can present in one of two types: active tuberculosis and latent tuberculosis. Prompt treatment prevents latent tuberculosis from evolving into active tuberculosis. (“Basic TB Facts,” 2012).

Clinical signs and symptoms that are associated with tuberculosis include low-grade fever, malaise, night sweats, and anorexia. More severe signs and symptoms may include chest pain, productive cough, and blood-tinged secretions. However, patients who have latent tuberculosis may remain asymptomatic (Tamaro & Lewis, 2005).

Laboratory tests used to detect tuberculosis include chest x-ray, acid-fast bacilli smear and culture, and skin test known as Mantoux test. These laboratory findings will allow the clinician to recognize the stage of the disease and provide the appropriate measures that must be applied to the patient (Tamaro & Lewis, 2005).

Any patient admitted with a diagnosis of tuberculosis is treated with antimycobacterial medications, such as isoniazid (INH), Pyrazinamide (PZA), and Rifampin (Rifadin), to prevent complications and lead the patient into recovery. The duration of treatment for tuberculosis can be as short as 6 months; however, treatment can be as long as 9 months (“Treatments,” 2011).

A2. Epidemiological Det...

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...y tuberculosis. Diseases Of The Human Body (4th ed., ). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Co.

TB Professionals Reporting Requirements. (n.d.). Florida Department of Health. Retrieved July 11, 2014, from http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/tuberculosis/tb-professionals/tb-report-require.html

Treatment. (2011, December 9). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved July 10, 2014, from http://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/treatment/default.htm?mobile=nocontent

Tuberculosis Control Section 2012 Annual Progress Report. (2013). Florida Department of Health. Retrieved July 11, 2014, from http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/tuberculosis/tb-statistics/_documents/tb-ar-2012.pdf

Tuberculosis Facts. (2012, June 6). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved July 10, 2014, from http://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/factseries/prevention_eng.htm