Edit page | Page history | Printable version

Disseminated tuberculosis

(Science: microbiology) Usually a chronic tuberculosis infection where spread of the original primary infection has occurred via the patients lymphatic system (or bloodstream).

disseminated disease occurs primarily in the immunocompromised individual (for example aids, cancer patient). The elderly are at increased risk for dissemination.

in disseminated disease, organs and tissues that can be affected include pericardium, peritoneum, larynx, bronchus, bone, joints, lymph nodes, stomach, meninges, eyes, kidneys and skin. Treatment is with inh, rifampin, ethambutol and other antibiotics.