Tuberculosis:

1. Aetiological agent and mode of entry

2. Types
3. Pathogenesis, virulent factors, incubation period
4. Management and treatment
5. Clinical features
6. Complications
7. Lab findings

TUBERCULOSIS

Tuberculosis is a chronic infection caused by bacteria that affects both the adult and paediatric age
group. By definition, tuberculosis is the presence of symptoms and signs caused by Mycobacterium
tuberculosis. Approximately 1 million children are infected with tuberculosis every year. Children
who are immunocompromised such as children who are Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
positive or who are receiving treatment with immunosuppressant drugs such as corticosteroids are
at a higher risk of developing this infection. Infants are also at a higher risk of developing the
infection. Tuberculosis is a leading cause of mortality and based on recent data, about 1.6 million
people die from Tuberculosis annually and among that, 0.9% of the mortality comprises children.

The main aetiological agent responsible for Tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

However, tuberculosis can also be caused by some atypical mycobacteria such as Mycobacterium
avian, Mycobacterium intracellulare and Mycobacterium kansasii. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an
acid fast aerobic bacilli. The route of transmission for this organism is through person – to – person
transmission by respiratory droplets. This occurs when a patient infected with tuberculosis coughs,
sneezes or speaks and the respiratory droplets become airborne and can lead to other healthy
individuals being infected. The respiratory droplets can also become dried up and