I was diagnoised with R.Arthritis 4 yrs back. Now M.Tuberculosis. What is the relations between these two?

Question

For the last 4 years i ahve been suffering from inflammation in my left knee joint and left hand wrist, which was diagnoised as R.Arthritis. Inflammation was less in the begining but has increased sustantially and troubles me more in moring when i wakeup. Now couple of days back i got a bloodtest done for which IgM Ab to M.TUBERCULOSIS 350U/ml: Positive and Liver functiong test where Vandenberg reaction is negative. What does this all apply? what precautions are to be taken?

Answer 1

meaning youre not living a healthy life! go out and excercise and eat green, fruits....

Answer 2

The 2 are not related, unless you took steroids for arthritis, lowering your immunity. TB of the joints involves usually one joint, and is secondary to lung or intestinal TB. Serolgical tests may be false positive, so do not let yourself be diagnosed on this basis only. Get a chest X ray and other tests done. It is good that Van den berg reaction is negative. TB joints will not remain the same if untreated for 4 years. Morning stiffness is characteristic for RA. I think you need to get your diagnosis confirmed. Get a second opinion.

Answer 3

well..blood tests can sometimes give false positive results under certain circumstances.it could be that u dont have TB,just that somebody around u have it..this could also make the blood test positive, as u have the antibodies against MTb.or maybe you took BCG vaccination.this could also make the blood test positive..because ur liver test says its negative,maybe u should check again the liver test after a week or so.or easier, go for a chest x-ray, since lungs n surrounding lymph nodes are attack primarily...
and if u have TB,ur doctor shouldn't be allowing u home.for now just dont go coughing in front of people..oh yea if u cough,its a sign that it could be true..especially if its with blood.
~hope i helped!

Answer 4

hmm.. could be this.


Tuberculous arthritis is an infection of the joints caused by tuberculosis. (See also spondylitis.)

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Approximately 1% of people affected with tuberculosis will develop associated arthritis. The joints most frequently involved are the spine, hips, knees, wrists, and ankles. Most cases involve just one joint.

Tuberculosis involving the spine is often referred to as Pott's disease. The fictional Hunchback of Notre Dame had a gibbous deformity (humpback) that is thought to have been caused by tuberculosis.

Tuberculous arthritis can be very destructive. In particular, if the spine is involved, a patient may have numbness, tingling or weakness below the level of the infection. Muscle atrophy and muscle spasms can occur.

Symptoms

Low-grade fever
Excessive sweating, especially at night
Weight loss or loss of appetite
Joint swelling with warm, tender joints
Decreased joint mobility
Spinal mass, sometimes associated with numbness, tingling, or weakness of the legs
Note: Onset is usually slow and may involve only one joint.

Signs and tests

A physical examination indicates joint inflammation.

Tests:

Joint x-rays consistent with destructive arthritis
Positive tuberculin skin test (also called PPD)
Aspiration of fluid in the joint (shows tuberculosis bacteria on a culture or stain and many white blood cells on cell count)
Biopsy of the joint (may show numerous tuberculosis bacteria)


Treatment

Treatment is aimed at eradicating the infection with anti-tubercular medications. Analgesics and application of heat or cold to the joints may provide relief of pain. Surgery may be necessary, especially to drain spinal abscesses or to stabilize the spine. Surgery is rarely needed for infections of other sites.

Expectations (prognosis)

This form of arthritis can be very destructive to the tissues. Control of the infection should prevent further joint involvement. However, joint destruction may take place before the infection is controlled.

Complications

Vertebral collapse resulting in kyphosis
Spinal cord compression
Joint destruction
Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms suggestive of this disorder, or if other possible tuberculosis symptoms are present.

Prevention

Controlling the spread of tuberculosis infection can prevent tuberculous arthritis. Patients who have a positive PPD test (but not active tuberculosis) may decrease their risk of tuberculous arthritis by properly taking medicines to prevent tuberculosis. To effectively treat tuberculosis, it is crucial that patients take their medications exactly as prescribed.






But I've mostly heard TB is the cause of a TB arthitis. Haven't heard anything about rheumatiod arthritis first before TB. But still just to be sure go check with your doctor because you could have had TB way before you had Rheumatoid Arthritis and just weren't diagnosed.

and just note, TB affects lungs just 75% the rest would be Extrapulmonary sites which is outside the lung and they would be for TB ==> CNS, lymphatic system, genitourinary system, and bones and joints.

Answer 5

Mycobacterium Tuberculosis is contagious! You must start medication immediately if not already on them, and must avoid contact with public to avoid spread of disease. You must wear respiratory mask when out in public until appropriate medication load is in your system. Please research this on the web (use health source like Web MD) due to too much info to relay in this forum. Your RA is NOT related to the diagnosis of TB. They are separate medical conditions - one does not cause the other.