Understanding Active Tuberculosis (TB): Pathologic Changes, Transmission, and Development
What are the pathologic changes in the lungs that characterize active TB?
a. Caseous necrosis and cavity formation are characteristic features of active TB.
How is TB transmitted?
b. TB is primarily spread through the air when infected individuals cough or sneeze.
Under what conditions does active TB develop following exposure?
c. Factors such as quantity of bacteria, weakened immune system, chronic disease, substance abuse, and inadequate access to healthcare can contribute to the development of active TB.
Answers:
a. The pathologic changes in the lungs that characterize active tuberculosis (TB) are: Caseous necrosis occurs due to the death of TB-infected lung cells, forming necrotic debris. It is the most characteristic pathological feature of TB. TB leads to the formation of cavities within the lung tissues. The cavities are filled with TB debris and infectious material. They are characterized by thick walls with granulomatous inflammation around the periphery of the cavity. The formation of granulomas in the lungs can be due to the presence of TB bacteria, as well as the immune system's response to it.
b. Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial disease that is transmitted from person to person through the air. TB is primarily spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes and releases droplets into the air, which can then be inhaled by a healthy individual. The TB bacterium is released into the air when the infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. People who are in close proximity to someone with TB are more likely to contract the disease.
Understanding Active Tuberculosis (TB): Pathologic Changes, Transmission, and Development
Active tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs. When a classmate is diagnosed with active or reinfection TB, it's important to understand the pathologic changes that occur in the lungs, how TB is transmitted, and the conditions that contribute to the development of active TB following exposure.
a. Pathologic Changes in the Lungs:
Active TB is characterized by caseous necrosis, which results from the death of TB-infected lung cells, leading to the formation of necrotic debris. This necrosis contributes to the formation of cavities within the lung tissues, which are filled with infectious material. Granulomatous inflammation surrounds these cavities, creating a unique pathological feature of TB.
b. Transmission of TB:
TB is primarily spread through the air when an infected individual coughs or sneezes, releasing droplets containing the TB bacterium. When these droplets are inhaled by a healthy person, the bacteria can infect their lungs, leading to active TB. Close contact with an infected individual increases the risk of transmission.
c. Development of Active TB:
Several factors can contribute to the development of active TB following exposure. The quantity of inhaled bacteria plays a role, as higher bacterial loads increase the risk of developing the disease. Weakened immune systems, chronic diseases, substance abuse, and inadequate access to healthcare also increase the likelihood of developing active TB.
It's important to be aware of these factors and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of TB and protect individuals from developing the disease. Understanding the pathologic changes, transmission, and risk factors associated with active TB can help in early detection and effective management of the disease.