Question

Mr. Yaw Mensah, a 62-year-old patient previously diagnosed with HIV reported to the chest clinic with history of productive cough for more than two weeks, anorexia, low grade fever, night sweats, fatigue and weight loss over the past few weeks. A Mantoux skin test was performed, which the area of induration after 48 hours was 11mm. He was diagnosed as an infectious disease that affects the lung parenchyma

What other factors may have contributed to his current diagnosis?

How can Mr. Yaw Mensah transmit his lung infection to the nurse a staff on duty?

Explain the pathophysiology behind the development of his diagnosis

How would you manage Mr. Yaw Mensah?

Answer 1

Other factors contributing Patient present illness tuberculosis include substance use, diabetes, severe kidney disease, low body weight, use of corticosteroids etc.
The bacteria causing TB, mycobactrium tuberculosis pass theiugh the air when the patient is coughing and sneezing. but it not spread through single contact ot not pass through sharing dishes or utensils it touching them.
HIV weaken the immune system and increase the chance of infection. this is called coinfection. tubercle bacilli cause this infection when they carry small microns to alveolar space. when the patient immune system is weak they can not eliminate the bacteria causing this infection. infectious droplet nuclei deposited in the alveolar space and cause the infection.
TB preventive treatment with isoniazid 5mg once daily for six months and 6mg pyridoxine daily is recommended. Antiretero viral therapy(ART) can be given with tuberculosis treatment. TB drugs of ethambutol, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, rifampicin, stretomycin should be given as an initial dose for 2-3months and as a continuation phase for 4-5months.