TUBERCULOSIS
Sit Dolor Amet
Learning Objective:
◦ Learning about the transmission of TB.
◦ Predicting the symptoms of TB.
◦ Describing the pathogenesis of TB.
◦ Discussing the treatment of TB.
◦ Discussing ways of prevention of TB.
Cause & Transmission –
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tuberculosis
◦ Look up: (5mins)
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The microorganism causing it.
Its spread
Population at risk
Target system/organ
Symptoms
Cause & Transmission
◦ Tuberculosis is one of the most common infections in
humans that infects the lung tissue.
◦ It’s caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis/M. bovis (in cattle).
◦ TB is spread by droplets, most commonly in crowded areas.
◦ Malnourished, immunocompromised patients are at a higher risk of being infected and
developing the disease than others.
◦ Symptoms include: weakness, coughing up blood, fever, loss of appetite and weight.
How does Mycobacterium Tuberculosis cause
disease?
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
Targets
Lung
Tissue
Immunity
cells
Other tissues –
(Extrapulmonary TB)
How disease is caused?
Primary infection
Bacteria is inhaled
into the lungs &
starts multiplying
slowly.
Macrophages rush to the
site and engulf the
bacteria forming a
tubercule. (inf. Response)
Disappears in 8 weeks.
If the bacteria is adapted
with a waxy layer, it’ll
survive the inf. response
and will remain dormant,
growing slowly.
Active Phase
They grow and
multiply rapidly
causing serious
damage.
Once the immune
system is weaker, the
bacteria becomes active,
causing active TB.
During the active phase:
◦ The bacteria multiply rapidly and the symptoms are more
serious:
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Fever
Night sweats
Loss of appetite
Loss of weight.
Feeling tired and lack of energy.
Coughing  Sputum.
◦ With the infection worsening, the lung tissue suffers from
further damage and the patient starts coughing up blood.
◦ Damage to the lung tissue includes breaking down of the
alveolar wall  ↓ air spaces  ↓SA for gas exchange.
How does Mycobacterium Tuberculosis cause
disease?
Lung
Tissue
• Destroys and damages lung tissue 
Damages the alveolar walls  ↓ SA
for gas exchange.
Immunity
System
• It targets T-cells  ↓Ab production
 Patient becomes vulnerable to
opportunistic infections which may
cause their death.
Treatment - Medscape
Diagnosis: X-rays & DNA
PREVENTION
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