Mycobacterium Tuberculosis

WHAT IS IT?

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) is a mycobacterium. These organisms (like all mycobacteria) are acid-fast organisms (and show up as pink rods).

Visual appearance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis with an acid fast stain (pink rods, source)
Visual appearance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis with an acid fast stain (pink rods, source)
CULTURE CHARACTERISTICS

Löwenstein-Jensen agar is used to culture this pathogen.

Aerobic bacteria 

MOLECULAR CHARACTERISTICS

Mycelia acid is in the cell wall of these pathogens and prevents phagocytosis.

TRANSMISSION

Inhalation of aeriosoloized Mycobacterium tuberculosis

CONDITIONS CAUSED

Pulmonary tuberculosis, tuberculous meningitis, Pott disease (osteomyelitis of vertebrae)

TREATMENT

**TB is often resistant to multiple drugs**

Prophylaxis: Isoniazid

Medications for treating: Rifampin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol

OTHER HY FACTS

Reactivation of TB has a tendency to occur at the apices of the ling because this is where there is the highest PO2.

This pathogen causes necrosis of tissues.

 

Page Updated: 07.12.2016