Epidemiology Exercise Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Epidemiology Exercise - Essay Example In addition to this, the length of tuberculosis incubation differs from individual to individual depending on the person’s risk factors. However, within six weeks of exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, an infected individual develops early stages of TB in the lungs that have no symptoms (CDC, 2014). Symptoms and signs of TB depend on the part of the body infected by the bacteria. Primary infection of TB may resolve on its own as individuals develop immunity between 6-10 weeks after infection (CDC, 2014). In case the immunity is weak, TB may progress and stretch all over the lungs or other organs. Such patients may develop signs and symptoms like; weight loss, fever, fatigue, cough and loss of appetite (CDC, 2014). Symptoms and signs for TB in the lungs include coughing for almost a month, coughing of blood, painful breathing, chest pain and pain when coughing (CDC, 2014). Occurrence of extra signs depends on where TB is developing (CDC, 2014). For instance, if TB develops in the lymph nodes, the patient may have swollen glands on the neck and under the arms. In case it affects the joints and bones, the patient develops swellings and pains around hips and knees. Lastly, Genitourinary TB results into pain in the flank as well as frequent urination accompanied with pain plus blood in the urine (CDC, 2014). Tuberculin skin test is done by injecting a fluid in skin under the lower fraction of the arm. After about two days, the part injected with the fluid is examined (CDC, 2014). A hard, raised swelling indicates the presence of TB. Blood test for TB is done to determine how immune system reacts to the presence of TB causing bacterium (CDC, 2014). Patients with latent TB infection have the TB bacteria but cannot infect others or show signs of the disease. The bacterium is inactive form and if not cured, it may result in TB. Medications used for diagnosis of latent TB include rifampin (RIF), isoniazid (INH) and rifapentine (RPT) (CDC, 2014). TB can be