Tuberculosis (TB): Nursing

Tuberculosis or TB for short is an infectious disease that primarily affects the respiratory tract, and is caused by Mycobacteria spp., such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Now, let’s quickly review the respiratory tract, which can be divided into two regions: the upper respiratory tract and lower respiratory tract. The upper respiratory tract includes the nose, nasal cavity, the oral cavity, pharynx, epiglottis, larynx, and the upper part of the trachea; while the lower respiratory tract includes the lower part of trachea, and the lungs containing the bronchi, bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and finally the alveoli. Alveoli are tiny air-filled sacs where most gas exchange occurs, so as we breathe, the inhaled oxygen moves from the alveolar sacs into the blood, while the carbon dioxide moves from the blood into the alveolar sacs to be exhaled.

Now, TB is caused by Mycobacteria spp. settling in the bronchioles and alveoli. The majority of TB cases are caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, it can rarely be caused by Mycobacterium bovis, Mycobacterium africanum, and Mycobacterium microti. These bacteria are transmitted from person to person via respiratory droplets. This happens when a person with active TB talks, sneezes, or coughs, spreading droplets that may then be inhaled by others nearby.

Risk factors for TB include close contact with an infected individual, as well as living in crowded areas, working in a healthcare facility, having limited access to healthcare, not being vaccinated, experiencing homeless, and alcohol or IV drug abuse.