Primary pulmonary tuberculosis

Last revised by Daniel J Bell on 17 Mar 2024

Primary pulmonary tuberculosis is seen in patients not previously exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

It is most common in infants and children and has the highest prevalence in children under 5 years of age 1.

Infection is the result of droplet inhalation from a close contact which can cause focal pneumonia in a distal airway, typically in the lower lobe. Lymphadenopathy is common. The incubation period can be up to 6 weeks and the infection often remains subclinical, provokes an effective immune response and heals. Occasionally immunity is inadequate and progressive primary TB develops with the potential for miliary spread.

Nucleic acid amplification test and polymerase chain reaction confirm infection and determine rifampin sensitivity. If this is not available, culture, IGRA or tuberculin test conversion can confirm infection.

Fever, loss of weight/failure to thrive, cough or lethargy.

Primary pulmonary tuberculosis manifests as five main entities:

In approximately two-thirds of cases, the parenchymal focus resolves without sequelae at conventional radiography; however, this resolution can take up to 2 years. In the remaining cases, a radiologic scar persists that can calcify in up to 15% of cases, an entity that is known as a Ghon focus. Other calcified foci can also be seen, and persistent mass-like opacities called tuberculomas are seen in ~10% of cases 1.

The appearance of consolidation is indistinguishable from that of bacterial pneumonia.

ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.