infectious diseases
Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis (TB)
Key Points
Tuberculosis can spread from the lungs through the bloodstream to many sites. Symptoms depend on the affected organ but typically include fever, malaise, and weight loss. Diagnose based on identification of bacilli in infected fluid or tissue by microscopic examination and culture and/or nucleic acid amplification tests. Treat with multiple drugs for several months and sometimes with surgery. Drug resistance is a major concern. 