emDocs - September 6, 2017 - Authors: Belle T and Wise - Editors: Koyfman A and Long B
"Key points
- TB remains a devastating and fairly ubiquitous disease throughout several parts of the world despite recent downward trends in incidence.
- It can present in a variety of ways so a high index of suspicion is needed when evaluating patients with signs and symptoms suggestive of possible infection.
- Patients co-infected with HIV or otherwise immunosuppressed tend to present more atypically.
- Effective management relies on prompt recognition
- Diagnosis relies on a combination of adequate history and clinical, radiographical and microbiological data.
- Treatment should be started only after consultation with Infectious Disease specialists at your institution.
- Strict adherence to isolation precautions is paramount in preventing the spread of infection in the ED."