Case scenario

Hans, a 21-year-old male, recently migrated to Australia from a tuberculosis-endemic country and has been diagnosed with latent TB after a positive tuberculin skin test. His doctor prescribed daily isoniazid for 9 months, and Hans has come to you querying the need to take the pyridoxine that he was also prescribed to take with the isoniazid, dismissing it as ‘just a vitamin’. Hans uses insulin for type 1 diabetes (well controlled) but is otherwise well.

After reading this article, pharmacists should be able to:
  • Identify risk factors for tuberculosis
  • Describe the clinical features of tuberculosis
  • Discuss key considerations in tuberculosis management
  • Discuss treatment options for tuberculosis.

Competency (2016) standards addressed: 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.5

Accreditation code: CAP2411DMVS

Accreditation expiry: 31/10/2027

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Introduction

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection.1,2 After a person is infected, TB is usually held in check by the immune system (latent TB infection), however it can progress to active TB disease, which can be fatal.3–5

Though now rare in Australia, cases are still seen, and pharmacists should understand TB, and its management, as early diagnosis and appropriate management prevents disease transmission.2

Epidemiology

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