TB Questions and Answers with Certified Solutions

TB Questions and Answers with Certified Solutions What is the most common symptom of active pulmonary tuberculosis? Persistent cough, often lasting more than three weeks What test is considered the gold standard for diagnosing tuberculosis? Sputum culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis What is the role of the tuberculin skin test (TST) in diagnosing tuberculosis? It helps to identify individuals who have been exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis What are some common extrapulmonary sites affected by tuberculosis? Lymph nodes, kidneys, bones, and the central nervous system How does tuberculosis spread from one person to another? Through airborne droplets when a person with active TB coughs or sneezes 2 What is the first-line treatment for drug-susceptible tuberculosis? Isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol What is the primary difference between latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and active tuberculosis disease? LTBI is asymptomatic and non-contagious, while active TB is symptomatic and contagious Why is the BCG vaccine primarily used in countries with a high burden of tuberculosis? It helps prevent severe forms of tuberculosis, such as TB meningitis in children What should be done if a patient with active tuberculosis is found to be non-compliant with their medication regimen? The treatment plan should be reassessed, and Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) may be recommended What is a major risk factor for developing tuberculosis? HIV infection, which weakens the immune system 3 What role does a chest X-ray play in the diagnosis of tuberculosis? It helps identify lung damage, such as infiltrates, cavities, or nodules that suggest TB What is the main concern with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB)? It requires longer, more expensive treatment and has a higher mortality rate What type of tuberculosis is characterized by infection in organs outside of the lungs? Extrapulmonary tuberculosis What is the significance of a positive acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear in tuberculosis diagnosis? It indicates the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the sputum, suggesting active TB How does a positive interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) test contribute to tuberculosis diagnosis? It detects an immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, indicating prior exposure or latent infection What would be an indication to perform a drug susceptibility test in a tuberculosis case? 4 If the patient’s treatment fails or if they have a history of previous tuberculosis treatment Why is it important to screen for HIV in all tuberculosis patients? HIV weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of TB progression and complicating treatment What is a potential side effect of taking isoniazid, one of the first-line drugs for tuberculosis? Hepatotoxicity (liver damage) How long does it take for tuberculosis symptoms