tuberculosis

Question 1

what is the cause ?

TB

Answer 1

• mycobacterium tuberculosis
• gram positive bacteria

Question 2

describe the transmission

TB

Answer 2

• when an infected person coughs or sneezes, the particles enter the air in the form of droplets
• these droplets can be inhaled which infect other people

Question 3

what are the symptoms ?

TB

Answer 3

• coughing up phlegm
• fever
• coughing up blood

Question 4

what areas are affected ?

TB

Answer 4

• the lungs and lymph nodes

Question 5

what is the prevention ?

TB

Answer 5

• vaccination programme for children
• the vaccination includes live attenuated strains
• early detection using skin and blood tests
• good ventilation and hand hygiene
• in some places spitting is outlawed

Question 6

what is the treatment ?

TB

Answer 6

• antibiotics
• two types of antibiotics are used at the same time
• need to take them for 6-18 months
• the bacteria is less likely to resist both antibiotics

Question 7

what is the link between TB and HIV ?

TB

Answer 7

• people with HIV are more likely to get TB as they have a compromised immune system as HIV affects the lymphocytes