tuberculosis A highly contagious infection that is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Abbreviated TB. Tubercles (tiny lumps) are a characteristic finding in TB. Diagnosis is made via skin test, which if positive is followed by a chest Xray to determine the status (active or dormant) of the infection. TB is more common in people…
tuberculosis, active The presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection with a positive chest X-ray. Treatment of active tuberculosis is mandatory by law in the US. See also DOT; tuberculosis.
tuberculosis, antibiotic-resistant A variant of tuberculosis (TB) that is not affected by one or more of the antibiotics normally used to treat it. If the strain of TB is unaffected by more than one medication, it is called multi-drug-resistant (MDR) TB. Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR TB) is a rare type of MDR TB that is…
tuberculosis, dormant The presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection without a positive chest X-ray. Treatment is not mandatory for dormant tuberculosis (TB), as with active TB, but it is a good idea because the bacterium could become active later. Treatment involves a course of antibiotics and vitamins.
tuberculosis, extensively drug-resistant A rare type of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDRTB) that is resistant to almost all drugs used to treat tuberculosis (TB). Affected patients are left with much less effective treatment options for this type of TB. Abbreviated XDR-TB.
tuberculosis, extrapulmonary TB that occurs outside the lungs. For example, TB can be active in the lymph nodes or kidneys.
tuberculosis, MDR Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis. See tuberculosis, antibiotic-resistant.
tuberculosis, miliary The presence of numerous sites of tuberculosis (TB) infection, each of which is minute. Miliary TB is caused by dissemination of infected material through the bloodstream.
tuberculosis, pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) in the lungs. Pulmonary TB is the most common form of active tuberculosis. It can be easily transmitted to others when someone who has it coughs.
tuberculosis vaccination A vaccination for tuberculosis (TB). The vaccine, known as BCG (bacille Calmette Guérin), is used in most developing countries to reduce the severe consequences of TB in infants and children. However, BCG vaccine has variable efficacy in preventing adult forms of TB and is, therefore, not routinely recommended for use in the US…
tuberculous diskitis A tuberculosis infection of the spine that is seen most often in children. The main symptom is back pain. Untreated tuberculous diskitis can lead to inward or outward curvature of the spine. Imaging of the spine can find abscesses, some of which may have ossified (hardened). Also known as Pott’s disease. Treatment involves…
tuberous sclerosis A genetic disorder that is characterized by abnormalities of the skin, brain, kidney, and heart. Skin abnormalities are present in all cases of tuberous sclerosis. They include tiny benign tumors (angiofibromas) on the face and depigmented areas anywhere on the body. The brain abnormalities of tuberous sclerosis are mainly benign cortical tumors (tubers)…