Mycobacterium Tuberculosis

• What causes tuberculosis (TB)?

  Bacterial infection
• Why can antibiotics be used to treat TB?

  Because it is caused by a bacterial infection
• When can antibiotics effectively treat TB?

  When bacteria are freely accessible
• What are the stages of a TB infection?

  1. Primary infection
  2. Latent TB
  3. Active TB
• What is formed when macrophages engulf TB bacteria?

  Tubercle
• What initiates the inflammatory response during primary TB infection?

  Entry of bacteria into the organism
• What is the role of macrophages in TB infection?

  To engulf TB bacteria through phagocytosis
• How does TB bacteria evade destruction by macrophages?

  By having a thick waxy cell wall
• What does latent TB mean?

  Live but inactive inside tubercles
• What happens to macrophages during latent TB?

  They become inactivated
• How does latent TB become active TB?

  When the immune system is reduced
• What occurs during active TB?

  TB bacteria grow and reproduce rapidly
• What damage does active TB cause to the lungs?

  Creates holes and cavities
• How can TB spread from the lungs to other organs?

  By entering the bloodstream
• What is a potential consequence of TB spreading to other organs?

  Organ failure
• What is a symptom of TB related to coughing?

  Excessive coughing and coughing up blood
• Why does TB cause shortness of breath?

  Due to decreased gaseous exchange
• What causes fever in TB patients?

  Inflammatory response affecting the hypothalamus
• How does fever benefit the immune response in TB?

  Increases activity of phagocytes
• What effect does fever have on TB bacteria reproduction?

  Slows the rate of reproduction