Home / Summaries / Brock Biology of Microorganisms, Global Edition / tuberculosis-tb-mycobacterium

Person-to-Person Bacterial and Viral Diseases - Tuberculosis and Leprosy

8 important questions on Person-to-Person Bacterial and Viral Diseases - Tuberculosis and Leprosy

Why is Mycobacterium tuberculosis a widespread respiratory pathogen?

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a widespread respiratory pathogen because it is highly infectious and can spread easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Additionally, the bacterium has developed mechanisms to evade the immune system and persist within the lungs, leading to chronic infections that can be difficult to eradicate. This combination of factors contributes to its ability to cause widespread respiratory disease.

Describe three common characteristics of pathogenic mycobacteria.

Three common characteristics of pathogenic mycobacteria are their ability to form thick, waxy cell walls composed of mycolic acids, their slow growth rate, and their resistance to conventional antibiotics. These features contribute to their pathogenicity and ability to survive in harsh conditions, making them difficult to treat and eradicate.

Describe the key characteristics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium leprae. What staining property is shared by these bacteria, and how is it demonstrated in the laboratory?

M. tuberculosis and M. leprae are gram-positive, acid-fast bacteria with waxy cell walls. The staining property is demonstrated using carbol-fuchsin, which remains after washing the mycobacterial smear in 3% hydrochloric acid in alcohol.
  • Higher grades + faster learning
  • Never study anything twice
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Discover Study Smart
Testimonial person
Sophia
Law student
Quotes

For my 1st exam I got a C. Then, I started looking for ways to learn better and I came across Study Smart. Since then I have scored a A+, A, A- and another A. I highly recommend it to everyone who wants to hear it. I am so happy with it!!

Testimonial person
John
Economics Student
Quotes

I was struggling to finish all my first-year subjects for 3 years. Then I discovered Study Smart, which helped me to finish all of them within 3 months.

Testimonial person
Sara
Public Administration Student
Quotes

Because of StudySmart, things are going well in many ways. Before, I always had study stress and no time for anything. Now I feel calm and confident (because of the program). I used to score a B, now I usually score an A or A+.

Testimonial person
Mary
Business Student
Quotes

Hey Chris, I really want to thank you very much for developing the platform, I usually got around C for my exams, now I scored an A+, an A and a A- !!

Testimonial person
Melanie
Psychology Student
Quotes

Since using Study Smart, my average has increased significantly. I even completed a statistics course with a A+ while I'm bad at statistics. I took on extra courses this year, because of Study Smart. Thanks so much!

Testimonial person
Jane
Nursing Studies
Quotes

Ever since I started studying with StudySmart I passed all my exams !!! No more re-sits!! At first, I was happy with a pass and now I only get good grades. Many thanks!

Testimonial person
Rose
Political Science Student
Quotes

I aced all the courses I studied with Study Smart. For law, I first scored a D, and now an A! I’m 100% sure that I’ll pass all the courses I study with Study Smart.

Testimonial person
Tina
Medicine Student
Quotes

I always thought I studied well. My grades were fine. I could never have imagined that applying these study skills would have such a huge and direct impact on my grades, my speed and the pleasure I have in learning.

Testimonial person
Julie
Marketing Student
Quotes

For the first time, I finally feel totally confident about the way I learn. I have the perfect overview and make great progress in terms of speed and the grades I get. Thanks, Chris!

Testimonial person
Matt
Industrial Engineering Student
Quotes

I immediately started to enjoy learning again, and my grades soared. All of a sudden, everything went better. I highly recommend Study Smart to all students..

Testimonial person
Emma
Law Student
Quotes

Being able to create my materials online made the process of studying so much smoother and quicker. I no longer have to spend a huge amount of my time on creating my summaries.

Testimonial person
Michael
Psychology Student
Quotes

At first, my notes were a mess. Now I use Study Smart to take my notes in a perfectly structured way. It helps me to save a lot of time and do other things I enjoy.

Testimonial person
Emily
Teacher
Quotes

Students that study with Study Smart get better grades. The system applies all the learning methods in such a way that both well-performing students and students who struggle perform much better.

Testimonial person
Richard
Literature Student
Quotes

Hi Chris, I would like to thank you very much. Last year I scored C on a course, and this year I got an A+ thanks to your method! Thank you very much!

Testimonial person
Madison
Parent
Quotes

The largest effect is that my child is more enthusiastic about school! Every parent wants their children to be happy at school, Study Smart made it happen.

Testimonial person
Robert
Accountant Student
Quotes

In high school, I failed several exams, and that has really changed now. I actually needed this tool very much back then. Since I started studying with StudySmart, I haven't had any D's. My average score is now an A and those are results I would have never had in the past

Testimonial person
James
Business and Science Student
Quotes

With my old method, I passed only 3 out of 8 courses. Since I started taking my notes digitally in Study Smart, I have passed all my courses on the first try. For me, StudySmart takes away the stress of wondering if I will pass or not.

Testimonial person
Christopher
Veterinarian Student
Quotes

Thanks to StudySmart, I passed all my exams, and with better grades than before! On top of that, I have mastered a very good study method now, which I am confident will help me earn my degree.

Explain the global impact of tuberculosis, including transmission, prevalence, and key diagnostic methods. How does the immune response contribute to controlling TB, and what is the significance of the tuberculin test?

TB is transmitted through the respiratory route and affects nearly 1.5 million people annually. About one-third of the world's population has been infected. Cell-mediated immunity plays a critical role in suppressing active disease. The tuberculin test detects hypersensitivity to M. tuberculosis.

Discuss the forms of tuberculosis and their manifestations. How does TB progress in the lungs, and what are the consequences of uncontrolled disease?

TB can be primary or postprimary infection. Primary infection results in tubercles, while postprimary TB involves granulomas. Uncontrolled disease can lead to extensive destruction of lung tissue and is often fatal.

Explain the role of isoniazid in the treatment of tuberculosis. How does isoniazid affect mycobacteria, and what is the significance of multiple drug therapy in preventing antibiotic resistance?

Isoniazid inhibits mycolic acid synthesis, compromising cell wall integrity in mycobacteria. Multiple drug therapy, including rifampin, is crucial to prevent antibiotic resistance. Resistance to isoniazid and other drugs is increasing, especially in HIV/AIDS patients.

Describe the clinical manifestations and complications of leprosy caused by Mycobacterium leprae. How is leprosy transmitted, and what are the treatment protocols for different forms of the disease?

Leprosy manifests as folded, bulb-like lesions and can lead to nerve damage. It is transmitted by direct contact and airborne route. Treatment involves a multiple drug therapy protocol, including dapsone, rifampin, and clofazimine. Tuberculoid leprosy has a good prognosis for spontaneous recovery.

Discuss the global status of leprosy, including prevalence, key affected regions, and diagnostic advancements. Why is leprosy considered a neglected tropical disease?

In 2019, 202,000 cases of leprosy were reported globally, with high prevalence in countries like India, Brazil, and Indonesia. A specific blood test aids in early-stage diagnosis. Leprosy is considered a neglected tropical disease due to its association with poverty and malnutrition.

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

Brock Biology of Microorganisms, Global Edition | 9781292235103 | Michael T Madigan, et al

View summary
  • A unique study and practice tool
  • Never study anything twice again
  • Get the grades you hope for
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Remember faster, study better. Scientifically proven.
Trustpilot Logo

Summaries related to The Microbial World - Structure and Activities of Microbial Cells