What Is Tuberculosis (TB) Tuberculosis is a specific infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis which is an Acid fast, aerobic bacilli On March 24 1882,Dr.Robert Koch announced the discovery of Micobacterium tuberculosis So it is also known as Koch’s disease. Consumtion , phthisis and white plague are other names used in history to refer Tuberculosis The disease primarily affects lungs and causes pulmonary tuberculosis It can also affect intestine, meninges, kidneys, bones and joints, lymph nodes, skin and other tissues of the body.
What Is Tuberculosis (TB) The disease is usually chronic with varying clinical manifestations. The disease also affects animals like cattle; this is known as “ Bovine tuberculosis ", which may sometimes be communicated to man. Pulmonary tuberculosis , the most important form of tuberculosis which affects man, will be considered here. Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most prevalent infections of human beings It contributes considerably to illness and death around the world
Incidence prevalence There were around 12000 tuberculosis patients reported each year in Sri Lanka Around 2 Billion TB patients are in worldwide. 4 millions of them are unidentified
Etiology Bacteria - Mycobacterium tuberculosis Mode of transmission - Droplet nuclei by coughing, sneezing, laughing, talking.
Risk factors Close contact with some one who have active TB Immune compromised status (elderly, cancer) Drug abuse and alcoholism People lacking adequate health care pre existing medical conditions (diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure) Immigrants from countries with higher incidence of TB. Institutionalization (long term care facilities)Â health care workers
Pathophysiology Initial infection or primary infection Entry of micro organism through droplet nuclei Bacteria is transmitted to alveoli through airways Deposition and multiplication of bacteria Bacilli are also transported to other parts of the body through blood stream. Phagocytosis by neutrophils and macrophages Accumulation of exudate in alveoli causing Broncho pneumonia
Pathophysiology New tissue masses of live and dead bacilli are surrounded by macrophages- Granuloma Macrophages form a protective mass around granulomas Granulomas then transforms to fibrous tissue mass and central portion of which is called ghon tubercle. The material (bacteria and macrophages) becomes necrotic forming cheesy mass. Mass becomes calcified and becomes colagenous scar
Pathophysiology Bacteria become dormant and no further progression of active disease (active disease or re infection) Inadequate immune response Activation of dormant bacteria Ghon tubercle ulcerates and releasing cheesy material into bronchi. Bacteria then become airborne resulting in further spread of infection Ulcerated tubercle heals and becomes scar tissue Infected lung become inflamed Further development of pneumonia and tubercle formation Unless the process is arrested it spreads downwards to the hilum of lungs and later extends to adjascent lobes.
Phases of tuberculosis disease Exposure phase Latent phase Active phase After two weeks of treatment TB is no longer communicable. After 6 months of continuous treatment the disease will be completely cured.
Clinical manifestations
Clinical manifestations Anorexia Low grade fever Night sweats Fatigue Weight loss Cough more than two weeks
Pulmonary symptoms Dyspnea. Non resolving bronchopneumonia. Chest tightness. Non productive cough. Mucopurulent sputum with hemoptysis. Chest pain.
Approach to diagnosis The diagnosis should be based on: A detailed history (including a contact history of TB and symptoms consistent with TB) Clinical examination (including growth assessment) Investigations Tuberculin skin testing ( Mantoux) Chest X-ray and other relevant radiological investigations Bacteriological confirmation including Xpert MTB/RIF (whenever possible) Investigations for extra-pulmonary TB HIV testing
Assessment and diagnostic findings History taking (contact history, Immune history) Physical examination Clubbing of fingers or toe (in advanced disease) Swollen or tender lymph nodes in the neck or other areas Pleural effusion Unusual breath sounds (crackles) In miliary TB • During physical examination, Swollen liver Swollen lymph nodes Swollen spleen
Investigation tests Chest X ray Sputum culture for Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) Sputum smear microscopy Tuberculin skin test (Purified Protein Derived test) CT – chest (High resolution CT) Rapid diagnostic test- Xpert MTB/RIF(Gene expert)
Sputum smear microscopy Sputum will be collected from the suspected patients. The most accurate way is to collect three consecutive sputum samples 8 to 24 hours apart with one being early morning specimen. Collected sputum should evaluated under microscopy looking for AFB For patients with diagnosed TB, Discontinuation of isolation precautions should based on sputum smear and other clinical criteria( e.g :- Three consecutive negative smears)
How to produce a good sputum sample? Patient should be advised to collect sputum but not saliva by vigorous coughing following a deep inspiration. Rinse mouth with water Inhale deeply 2-3 times with mouth open Cough out deeply from the chest Open the container and bring it closer to the mouth Split out the sputum into it and close the container If patient is Unable to produce sputum Induction with hypertonic saline should be attempted
Mantoux test (Purified Protein Derivatives) 0.1 ml of PPD is injected to anterior aspect of the nondominent forearm (Intradermal) After 72 hrs. check for induration at the site An induration of 5 or more Millimeters is considered positive in in HIV infected patients In HIV negative individuals 0-9 mm negative 10-14mm positive 15mm or more strongly positive
Tuberculin test can be positive in the absence of active TB in the following conditions Past TB disease BCG vaccination Latent TB infection Incorrect interpretation of test Primary TB infection Exposure / Infection with non-tuberculous mycobacteria
Complications Bones-Spinal pain and joint destruction may result from TB that infects the bones (TB spine or pott’s spine) Brain (meningitis) Liver or kidney damage/ altered functions Heart (cardiac tamponade) Lungs Pleural effusion and Tb pneumonia Serious reactions to drug therapy( hepato toxicity, hypersentivity )Â
Treatments
Drug name Dose Side effect Management of SE Rifampicin Isoniazid Pyrazinamide Anorexia Nausea Abdominal pain Give drugs with small meals or last thing at night. If patient dosen’t get better exclude hepatitis Pyrazinamide 30-40mg/kg/day Joint pain Paracetamol Aspirin Isoniazid 7-15mg/kg/day Burning Numbness or tingling sensation in the hands or feet Pyridoxine 50-75mg daily Rifampicin 10-20mg/kg/day Orange/ Red Urine Reassure Ethambutol 15-25mg/kg/day Optic neuritis Be aware of visual alterations
DOT – Directly Observed Therapy A component of DOTS This ensures a TB patient has taken his treatment as prescribed DOT is a supportive mechanism that ensures the best possible results in treatment of TB. With the right drugs In the right doses At the right intervals For the correct duration
Who could be a DOT provider? Health care workers – curative, preventive in both state and private sector Religious Leaders Community Leaders Heads of Institutions NGOs Cured TB patients Any person of responsibility Family member – usually not recommended . But, “A responsible family member” in certain instances
Why do we provide DOT? More than one third of the patients (39%) receiving self-administered treatment do not adhere to treatment vs 10% if the patient was on DOT. Impossible to predict which patients will take medicines. DOT is necessary at least in the initial phase of treatment to ensure adherence and achieve sputum smear conversion. A TB patient missing one attendance can be traced immediately and counselled. Helps patients finish TB therapy as quickly as possible, without unnecessary gaps. Helps prevent TB from spreading to others; decreases the risk of drug-resistance resulting from erratic or incomplete treatment; decreases the chances of treatment failure and relapse.
Nursing care for tuberculosis
Nursing Assessment Obtain history of exposure to TB. Assess for symptoms of active disease. Auscultate lungs for crackles. During drug therapy assess for liver function.
Nursing diagnosis and relevant Nursing interventions
An ineffective breathing pattern related to pulmonary infection and potential for long term scarring with decreased lung capacity Administer and teach self administration of medications ordered Encourage rest and avoidance of exertion if actually ill. Monitor breath sounds respiratory rates, sputum production and dyspnoea Provide supplimental oxygen as ordered. Encourage increased fluid intake. Instruct about best position to facilitate drainage.
Risk for spreading infection related to nature of disease and patients symptoms Be aware that TB is transmitted by respiratory droplets. Limit contact with others while infectious. Use high efficiency masks(N-95) for high risk procedures including endoscopy. Educate patient to control the spread of infection by covering mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing. used tissues should be discarded properly. Use standered precautions for additional protection. Gowns and gloveses for direct contact with patient. Instruct about risk of drug resistance if drug regimen is not strictly and continuosly followed Carefully monitor vital signs and observe for temperature changes
Imbalanced nutrition less than body requirement related to poor appetite ,fatigue and productive cough Explain the importance of eating nutritious diet to promote healing and defense against infection. Provide small frequent meals and liquid suppliments during symptomatic period. Monitor weight of the patient. Administer vitamin supplements as ordered. particularly pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) to prevent peripheral nuropathy in patients taking Isoniazid
Non compliance related to lack of motivation particularly in LTBI and long term treatment associated with health risk to patient, close contacts and public health. Educate patient about etiology transmission and effects of TB. Review adverse effects of drug therapy. Participate in observation of medicine taking, weekly pill counts or programs designed to increase compliance with the treatment for TB. Explain that TB is a communicable disease and that taking medications is most effective way of preventing transmission. Instruct about medications schedule and side effects.
FAQs
What is Drug resistance TB? Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) is a form of tuberculosis caused by bacteria that are resistant to the standard antibiotics used to treat TB. This resistance arises due to mutations in the TB bacteria, making it harder to cure and requiring longer, more complex treatment regimens with second-line drugs. DR-TB poses a significant global health challenge and demands specialized care and monitoring to prevent its spread.
What is Latent TB Infection? (LTBI) Latent TB infection (LTBI) is a condition where a person is infected with the tuberculosis bacteria but does not show any symptoms of active TB disease. Individuals with LTBI are not contagious, and the bacteria are in an inactive state in their bodies. However, they are at risk of developing active TB in the future if their immune system becomes compromised, making early detection and treatment important for TB prevention.
What is acid fast bacteria? Acid-fast bacteria are a group of bacteria characterized by their unique cell wall structure, which makes them resistant to the decolorization by acid during certain laboratory staining procedures.
What is gene Xpert ? GeneXpert is a molecular diagnostic test used to detect the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, TB) and identify resistance to the antibiotic rifampicin. It utilizes a highly sensitive DNA amplification technique to provide rapid and accurate TB diagnosis within hours
References https://www.nptccd.health.gov.lk/ Lippincott manual of nursing 11 th edition