TB bacteria characteristics

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Tung Hoanh - Department of Resuscitation - Emergency - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease causing high mortality in the world, including Vietnam. Tuberculosis bacteria were discovered in 1982 by Robert Koch and so far scientists have discovered the characteristics of TB bacteria with important caveats.

1. What is the bacteria that causes tuberculosis?

Mycobacteriaceae belong to the family Mycobacteriaceae, 3-5 μm long, hairless, rounded at both ends, with seeded stems and stand singly or in clusters on Ziehl-Neelsen staining slides. Mycobacteria do not lose the red color of fuchsin by alcohol and acids.
Some characteristics of TB bacteria include:
Resistance to alcohol and acids Completely aerobic Slow growth, only reproduces once every 20-24 hours There are many different metabolic populations in the lesion Change in pathogenicity TB disease under the influence of the environment Resistant to drugs to treat pulmonary tuberculosis, lymph node tuberculosis, peritoneal tuberculosis... The ability to survive TB bacteria under different conditions is as follows:
In Under natural conditions, TB bacteria can survive for 3-4 months, while in the laboratory, bacteria can be preserved for many years. Sputum of a TB patient in a dark, humid room can persist for 3 months and still retain its virulence. In sunlight, TB bacteria are killed in 1.5 hours TB bacteria stop growing at 42°C and die after 10 minutes at 100°C Alcohol 90°C can kill TB bacteria in 3 minutes In 5% phenic acid, bacteria can only live for about 1 minute

2. Different metabolic populations of TB bacteria in lesions

Group A: Includes bacteria residing in the wall of the TB cave with sufficient oxygen, alkaline pH, favorable for the growth of bacteria. This is a group of bacteria that thrive, in large numbers, outside the cell. This group is easily destroyed by anti-tuberculosis drugs. Group B: Including bacteria residing in the wall of TB caves but deeper than group A, alkaline pH with low oxygen pressure should grow more slowly. In this group only rifampicin and isoniazid are effective anti-tuberculosis drugs. Group C: Including bacteria that have been phagocytized and located in macrophages, bacteria grow very slowly because of the full pH. Only pyrazinamide is effective, followed by rifampicin, and isoniazid has little effect, streptomycin is completely ineffective. Group D: Including pathogenic bacteria located in macrophages, completely not metabolizing or growing, so called "sleeping" tuberculosis bacteria group, anti-TB drugs have no effect. The number of bacteria in this group is quite small and can be destroyed by the body's immune system.

3. Pathogenicity of TB bacteria

The pathogenic process of tuberculosis bacteria also depends on the virulence of the bacteria and the body's resistance. Tuberculosis usually goes through two stages:
Primary TB stage: TB bacteria first enter the body, often causing damage to the very ventilated periphery of the lungs. After 2-4 weeks when the body becomes hypersensitive, granular lesions appear and typical tuberculosis granules are formed. The TB bacteria then travel to nearby lymph nodes and into the bloodstream throughout the body. Tuberculosis stage: The majority of human-acquired TB is due to reactivation of the recurrent foci of primary infection, usually located in the lower or near the apex of the lung, where high oxygen concentrations are favorable. for the development. By the time the disease is detected, the bean pulp lesions have liquefied and the tubercle burrows form, creating favorable conditions for the TB bacteria to disperse rapidly. The route of transmission of tuberculosis can be through the respiratory tract, sputum. In addition to the lungs, TB can progress to all organs such as urinary tract, bone and joints, pleural TB, peritoneal or lymph node TB.
Vinmec International General Hospital currently provides the BCG vaccination service against TB of the company Vaccines and Medical Biologicals, which is manufactured in Vietnam.
The advantages of vaccination at Vinmec International General Hospital include:
Vaccines are imported and stored in a modern cold storage system, with a cold chain meeting standards. GSP standards, keeping vaccines in the best condition to ensure quality. Customers will be examined by specialist doctors, fully screened for physical and health problems, advised on preventive vaccines and injection regimens, how to monitor and take care of them after vaccination. Indications for vaccination according to the latest recommendations of the Ministry of Health & World Health Organization to ensure the best effectiveness and safety for children. Undertake medical supervision before, during and after vaccination at Vinmec Health System and always have an emergency team ready to coordinate with the vaccination department to handle cases of anaphylaxis, respiratory failure - circulatory arrest, ensuring Ensure timely and correct handling when incidents occur. The vaccination room is airy, with a play area, helping customers feel comfortable as if they are walking and have a good mentality before and after vaccination. A team of experienced and professional pediatric doctors and nurses, understand children's psychology and apply effective pain relief methods for children during the vaccination process. 100% of vaccinated customers are monitored 30 minutes after injection and reassessed before leaving. For customers who are children, parents will receive a reminder message before the injection date and the child's vaccination information will be synchronized with the national immunization information system.

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