Tuberculosis

Bacterial infection mainly in the lungs.

• The infection causes nodules known as tubercles, or Ghon focii, which are spots left by dead infected tissue in the lungs and the bacteria is usually stopped by macrophages in our lungs, but this bacteria can survive inside them and are then stopped by our immune system and become ‘inactive’ (latent TB infection).
• In healthy individuals our body stop this condition in becoming active and hence  causes no symptoms and is not contagious; this is known as latent TB infection.
• It is possible to live with latent TB without ever developing the ‘active form’ of the disease, though most do develop the ‘active’ form.
• People who have a weak immune system are particularly vulnerable and TB bacteria can become ‘active’ and show symptoms and hence can spread to others.
• Those with latent TB should be treated as to prevent the disease to become an ‘active’ form.

Travelling to regions where TB rates are high also increases your risk of contracting the infection.

These regions include:

• Sub-Saharan Africa
• India
• Mexico and other Latin American countries
• China and many other Asian countries
• parts of Russia and other countries of the former Soviet Union
• islands of Southeast Asia
• Micronesia

This condition can lead to:

Ascites

• An increased or high level of fluid collection within the peritoneum (the sac that contains the intestines within the abdominal cavity- the outside lining of the organs – this space has peritoneal fluid which helps to reduce friction between the belly and the organs during digestion).
• The blood volume is reduced and the kidney then responds and try to retain salt and water in the body, this causes further swelling.
• Ascites can also be caused by cancer, heart failure, kidney failure, inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), and tuberculosis affecting the lining of the abdomen.
• Symptoms include:
  • Increased abdominal swelling and belly size
  • Ankle swelling
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling full after eating small amounts of food
  • Appetite loss

Varices

• Described as  enlarged veins. Blood that is meant for the portal system, is diverted to and gathers in other veins as it makes its way to the heart these include along the oesophagus, stomach, intestines, rectum and/or anus.
• This can put pressure on blood vessels and they can rupture and bleed.

• Rapid molecular diagnostic tests (Xpert MTB/RIF ultra Treunat)
• Terbuclin skin test (TST) – if results are negative: repeat test after been in infected area after 8 weeks
• Interferoongamma release assay (IGRA) – if results are negative: repeat test after been in infected area after 8 weeks
• Sputum cultures
• Chest x-rays

Types of Tuberculosis

• Click here for various types of Tuberculosis

National Organisation for Rare Diseases