A1. Description of the diseaseTuberculosis is an infection caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, a Gram-positive acid-fast bacillus, and “is characterized by progressive necrosis of lung tissue” (Tamaro and Lewis, 2005). Tuberculosis is caused by many debilitating conditions such as immunosuppression and chronic lung disease, among others. However, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), remains the leading cause of tuberculosis worldwide. Tuberculosis can present in two forms: active tuberculosis and latent tuberculosis. Prompt treatment prevents latent TB from progressing to active TB. (“Basic TB Facts,” 2012). Clinical signs and symptoms associated with tuberculosis include low-grade fever, malaise, night sweats, and anorexia. More serious signs and symptoms may include chest pain, productive cough, and blood-tinged discharge. However, patients with latent tuberculosis may remain asymptomatic (Tamaro and Lewis, 2005). Laboratory tests used to detect tuberculosis include a chest X-ray, an acid-fast bacilli smear and culture, and a skin test known as the Mantoux test. These laboratory results will allow the clinician to recognize the stage of the disease and provide appropriate measures that should be applied to the patient (Tamaro & Lewis, 2005). Any patient admitted with a diagnosis of tuberculosis is treated with antimycobacterial medications, such as isoniazid (INH), pyrazinamide (PZA), and rifampin (Rifadin), to prevent complications and lead the patient toward recovery. The duration of TB treatment can be as short as 6 months; however, treatment can last up to 9 months (“Treatments,” 2011).A2. Epidemiological detection...... middle of paper ......y tuberculosis. Diseases of the human body (4th ed.,). Philadelphia: FA Davis Co.TB Professional Reporting Requirements. (nd). Florida Department of Health. Accessed July 11, 2014, from http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/tuberculosis/tb-professionals/tb-report-require.htmlTreatment. (December 9, 2011). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed July 10, 2014, from http://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/treatment/default.htm?mobile=nocontentTuberculosis Control Section 2012 Annual Progress Report. (2013). Florida Department of Health. Accessed July 11, 2014, from http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/tuberculosis/tb-statistics/_documents/tb-ar-2012.pdfTuberculosis Facts. (June 6, 2012). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed July 10, 2014 from http://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/factseries/prevention_eng.htm