This is an automatically translated article.
Prevention and treatment of latent TB is an early preventive measure for healthy people with TB bacteria in their bodies, with the aim of reducing the risk of TB later in life.1. What is latent tuberculosis?
Most people infected with TB bacteria have no symptoms. TB bacteria in the body are in an inactive state, controlled by the body's immune system. There are people who can carry TB bacteria throughout their lives but never get sick. And only some people who carry the TB bacteria get sick.Latent TB is a carrier of TB bacteria without latent TB disease or infection. A person with latent TB infection is:
Does not have TB disease, and does not transmit TB to others. A skin test, also known as a Mantoux reaction or blood test, shows the presence of TB bacteria. Sputum and secretion tests were negative.
2. Route of transmission
Hình ảnh vi khuẩn lao
TB bacteria are spread through the air through very small microscopic particles that are invisible to the eye. When a person with TB speaks or sneezes, coughs the droplets that carry bacteria from the lungs through the mouth and nose into the air. When we breathe the same air, microscopic particles containing TB bacteria can enter the lungs.
3. Subjects at risk of latent TB infection
People who can be infected with TB bacteria are those who have had close contact over a period of time with someone who has infectious TB, and is at risk of getting a TB infection. TB bacteria cannot be easily transmitted. Therefore, infection is more common in people who live with or have close contact over a period of time. However, people who are taking effective anti-TB drugs for 2 weeks cannot transmit the disease.
People from areas with high TB cases like Asian countries. Latin America, Africa and Eastern Europe are at higher risk. Even if we have been vaccinated with BCG, we can still catch and contract tuberculosis. The BCG vaccine protects children from severe TB, but does not provide effective protection against TB infection.
4. Prophylactic treatment for latent TB
Những người có hệ miễn dịch quá yếu nên dư phòng lao tiềm ẩn là xét nghiệm dương tính với HIV
4.1 What is latent TB prophylaxis? TB prevention and treatment help reduce the chance of developing TB in people who are otherwise healthy but have TB bacteria in their bodies. Preventive treatment halves the risk of contracting TB later in life.
However, with preventive treatment, the body can still contract TB. In some cases, TB bacteria remain in the body after completing treatment, and in very rare cases these TB bacteria can cause disease later in life. Reinfection with TB can occur, prophylactic treatment is only effective at the time of treatment, and cannot protect the body from reinfection.
4.2 Who needs prophylaxis Not all people with TB infection need prophylaxis. Only those in the group whose immune systems are too weak to keep the bacteria inactive, and who are at increased risk for TB, need prophylactic treatment. The group of people who need to be treated for latent TB prevention, ranked in order of priority, includes:
Children People with underactive immune systems People using drugs that weaken the immune system Have certain diseases such as kidney failure, diabetes,... HIV-positive person Low weight People infected with TB within 2 years
Điều trị dự phòng lao bằng thuốc có thể gây ra tác dụng phụ như buồn nôn
4.3 Methods of prevention and treatment of latent TB Prophylaxis and treatment of latent TB usually involve the use of several drugs. However, TB prophylaxis will be shorter. The two drugs rifampicin and isoniazid are usually used for three months.
The course of treatment can last six months if only one drug is used. People receiving prophylaxis will have blood tests done after two weeks of treatment, and again after six weeks.
Treatments for latent TB include DOT and non-DOT treatments.
Non-DOT treatment: self-preserving patients usually receive a week's supply of medication at a time. Treatment according to DOT : is directly observed therapy that supports the patient throughout the treatment process, and ensures that the treatment is completed. DOT also ensures that medical staff can detect the effectiveness and side effects of drugs in patients, so that they can be treated promptly. 4.4 Drug side effects Some side effects of TB prophylaxis drugs can be encountered such as:
Nausea Red urine: not dangerous because rifampicin contains red dye Have some digestive problems : constipation or looseness, stomach pain Itching and rash: due to allergic reaction to the medicine Fever Swelling and pain in joints, other parts of the body: if the swelling is too painful then you need to see a doctor so he can be treated. indications for the use of pain relievers. Numbness, tingling sensation in the feet and hands Headache Weakness and fatigue Especially if the whites of the eyes become yellow, or the stomach hurts, feel very nauseous, tired, or have a red rash. If the growth is gradually spreading on the body, it is necessary to go to a medical facility for examination and appropriate intervention measures.
In addition, drugs for the treatment and prevention of tuberculosis are metabolised in the liver. Therefore, during treatment, patients should not drink alcohol or arbitrarily use painkillers containing paracetamol, because it will increase the burden on the liver and the risk of liver damage is very high.
In summary, prevention and treatment of latent TB is a way to reduce the risk of TB later in life for healthy people with TB bacteria in their bodies. During TB prophylaxis, some side effects will occur. Therefore, patients need special monitoring to detect abnormalities in time, go to a medical facility immediately for examination and appropriate treatment measures.
Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading medical doctors, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination and consultation services. comprehensive and professional medical consultation and treatment; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space. Customers when choosing to perform tests here can be completely assured of the accuracy of test results.
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