Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis is a chronic granulomatous disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It remains a major global public health challenge requiring standardized treatment regimens.
1. Diagnostic Approach
- Gold Standard: Culture (e.g., Lowenstein-Jensen medium), though it takes weeks.
- Rapid Molecular Testing: Cartridge-based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT/GeneXpert) is now the preferred initial diagnostic for rapid TB and Rifampicin resistance detection.
- Microscopy: Ziehl-Neelsen staining (acid-fast bacilli).
2. Anti-TB Treatment (Standard Regimen)
| Phase | Drugs | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Intensive | HRZE (Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol) | 2 Months |
| Continuation | HRE (Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Ethambutol) | 4 Months |
3. Important Clinical Concepts
- Drug Toxicity: Isoniazid (peripheral neuropathy – supplement with Pyridoxine), Rifampicin (orange-red discoloration of body fluids), Pyrazinamide (hyperuricemia), Ethambutol (optic neuritis).
- DOTS: Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course, is the cornerstone of TB control to ensure adherence.
NEET PG Hint: Remember that Ethambutol is the only bacteriostatic drug in the first-line regimen, while the others are bactericidal. For any child with suspected TB, remember that clinical diagnosis is often required, as bacteriological confirmation is difficult. If you are looking for more resources, you can find helpful study tools and courses at mymedschool.org.