A1. Description of the diseaseTuberculosis is an infection caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, an acid-fast Gram-positive bacillus, and "is characterized by progressive necrosis of lung tissue" (Tamaro & 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 occur in two types: active tuberculosis and latent tuberculosis. Prompt treatment prevents latent tuberculosis from developing into active tuberculosis. (“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 who have latent tuberculosis may remain asymptomatic (Tamaro & Lewis, 2005). Laboratory tests used to detect tuberculosis include chest x-ray, smear and culture of acid-fast bacilli, and the skin test known as the Mantoux test. These laboratory results will allow the doctor to recognize the stage of the disease and provide appropriate measures that need to be applied to the patient (Tamaro & Lewis, 2005). Any patient hospitalized with a diagnosis of tuberculosis is treated with antimycobacterial drugs, such as isoniazid (INH), pyrazinamide (PZA), and rifampicin (Rifadin), to prevent complications and lead the patient to recovery. The duration of treatment for tuberculosis can be as little as 6 months; however, treatment can last up to 9 months (“Treatments,” 2011).A2. Det epidemiological...... half of the document ......y tuberculosis. Diseases of the human body (4th ed.,). Philadelphia: FA Davis Co.TB Professional Reporting Requirements. (n.d.). Florida Department of Health. Retrieved July 11, 2014, from http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/tuberculosis/tb-professionals/tb-report-require.htmlTreatment. (2011, December 9). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved 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. Retrieved July 11, 2014, from http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/tuberculosis/tb-statistics/_documents/tb-ar-2012.pdfTuberculosis Facts. (2012, June 6). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved July 10, 2014, from http://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/factseries/prevention_eng.htm