The Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis of Tuberculosis

A definitive diagnosis of tuberculosis requires the demonstration on culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from secretions or tissues of the infected host. Despite its great variability, the clinical pattern of the disease may be helpful. Classically, tuberculosis is considered to be associated with constitutional symptoms: weakness, malaise, easy fatigability, weight loss, fever, sweating (characteristically occurring at night), myalgia, indigestion, and amenorrhea. Fever may be excessive and septic in type, particularly in young black women. Tuberculosis may also present with nonspecific findings such as anemia, joint pains, or erythema nodosum.