ABSTRACT
Tuberculosis (TB) is the most common infectious disease in the world. TB is caused by the Mycobacteria tuberculosis complex, given the genetically similar bacteria, and includes M. tuberculosis, M. bovis and M. africanum. Patients may present with fever and night sweats. Initially this may be pyrexia of unknown origin until a TB diagnosis is confirmed. Anti-pyretics should be administered. TB to the central nervous system may present in the form of meningeal disease. Disease progression includes changes in mental and personality. TB patients are often malnourished and nutritional support is required. Specialist dietician input will be required with anorexic or malnourished patients. TB treatment therapies are complex, lasting months and determined by national TB control programme guidelines. Treatments may include isoniazid and rifampicin for six months. In addition, pyrazinamide and ethambutol is taken for the first two months.
