Tuberculosis Update

Tuberculosis (TB) results from infection with the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium. Pulmonary TB signs and symptoms include fever, night sweats, weight loss, chills, anorexia, cough, hemoptysis, and chest pain. The diagnosis is made clinically after assessing the medical history, physical examination, radiographic findings, tuberculin skin test/laboratory studies, and bacteriologic or histologic examination for confirmative culture. Treatment initially involves four medications. Respiratory etiquette is the implementation of infection control measures to prevent transmission of all respiratory infections, including TB, in the healthcare setting. The use of environmental and administrative controls, combined with a respiratory protection program, are very effective infection prevention interventions with reducing potential TB exposure.