Question

Compare and contrast primary tuberculosis, secondary tuberculosis, and extrapulmonary tuberculosis.

Answer 1

Primary tuberculosis signals the initial infection of the host with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is normally asymptomatic. It is after the primary tuberculosis infection that people will test positive with TB skin test. At that point, treatment with isoniazid and other anti-tubercular’s is initiated. Secondary tuberculosis is the reactivation of the latent primary disease, as without treatment the body is unable to complete clear of the disease. It forms the characteristic granulomas, normally in the lungs of the organisms. It often signals a lowering of host immunity, such as with AIDS or chronic alcoholism. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis is the secondary TB outside the lungs, and it can be almost anywhere such as in lymph nodes, the pleura and joints. It is hard to diagnose and one must suspect it and look for it aggressively.