Definitions for "Tuberculosis"
A constitutional disease caused by infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (also called the Tubercle bacillus), characterized by the production of tubercles in the internal organs, and especially in the lungs, where it constitutes the most common variety of pulmonary phthisis (consumption). The Mycobacteria are slow-growing and without cell walls, and are thus not affected by the beta-lactam antibiotics; treatment is difficult, usually requiring simultaneous administration of multiple antibiotics to effect a cure. Prior to availability of antibiotic treatment, the cure required extensive rest, for which special sanatoriums were constructed.
a usully chronic, highly variable disease that is caused by the tubercle bacillus and rarely in the U.S. by a related mycobacterium (Mycobacterium bovis); usually is communicated by inhalation of the airborne causative agent; affects especially the lungs but may spread to other areas (as the kidneys or spinal column) from local lesions or by way of the lymph or blood vessels; characterized by fever, cough, difficulty in breathing, inflammatory infiltrations, formation of tubercles, caseation (necrosis with conversion of damaged tissue into a soft cheesy substance), pleural effusion, and fibrosis
infection of the lungs and pleurae caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis
a simple skin test can check for tuberculosis even before symptoms occur. Ultrasound - a test in which sound waves are used to examine internal structures, including the fetus. Multiple marker screening Multiple marker screening measures the levels of the hormones estriol and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), as well as AFP, in your blood. This test can be done at the same time, using the same blood sample, as the AFP test. The results come back in 1 week to 2 weeks. If a fetus has Down syndrome, hCG levels often are higher than normal. Estriol levels and AFP often are lower than normal. Routine tests can be followed up with other tests if the results raise concerns. Your doctor also may suggest special tests if you have certain risk factors