1. Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB)
Lung Disease
Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB)

2. Background
Usually found in the lungs as transmitted via droplets in the air.
Infectious disease that is the biggest killer – approx 2 million people per year die from it.
Previously known as consumption.
Pre-WW2 campaign.

4. Causes Rod shaped bacteria Myobacterium tuberculosis
Myobacterium bovis
30% world’s population have one form in their blood stream.

5. Symptoms Persistent cough Tiredness
Loss of appetite leading to weight loss
Fever
Coughing up of blood droplets

6. Transmission
Through the air by droplets by sneezing, coughing, laughing esp in crowded places or friends/relatives
Resistant bacterium, can survive many weeks
M bovis infects cattle and can contaminate milk
Risk Groups
Living and sleeping in overcrowded conditions
Work or live in long-term care facilities
People from countries where TB is prevalent
Reduced immunity (children/HIV patients/elderly/alcoholics/homeless/transplant patients/malnourished)

7. Course of infection Early infection Primary Infection
(occurs in children)
Post-Primary infection
(many years later – adults)
Can be FATAL
Bacteria grow and divide in upper regions of the lungs
Inflammation and enlargement of lymph nodes
Bacteria re-emerge to cause a 2nd TB infection
Phagocytes accumulate at these sites to ingest bacteria
Bacteria destroy lung tissue resulting in cavities and scar tissue.
Healthy person will control infection in a few weeks but a few bacteria remain
Coughs up lung tissue, blood and bacteria, can spread to rest of the body.

9. Prevention and Control of TB
Vaccination of those without immunity – weak strain of M bovis
Better education
Better housing
Improved health facilities
Better nutrition
Drug treatment (6-9 months)

10. Why has there been an increase of TB recently in developed countries?