Tuberculosis

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Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

Without treatment, tuberculosis can be fatal. Drug-resistant strains of the disease are more difficult to treat.

Untreated active disease typically affects your lungs, but it can spread to other parts of the body through your bloodstream. Complications vary according to the location of TB bacteria:

  • Lung damage can occur if TB in your lungs (pulmonary TB) isn't diagnosed and treated early.
  • Severe pain, abscesses and joint destruction may result from TB that infects your bones.
  • Meningitis can occur if TB infects your brain and central nervous system.
  • Miliary TB is TB that has spread throughout your entire body, a serious complication.
Preparing for your appointment Risk factors
References
  1. Riley LW. Microbiology and pathogenesis of tuberculosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 22, 2008.
  2. Pezzella AT, et al. Surgical aspects of thoracic tuberculosis: A contemporary review - Part 1. Current Problems in Surgery. 2008;45:675.
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  14. Tuberculosis (TB): TB and HIV infection. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/tuberculosis/Understanding/tbHIV.htm. Accessed Dec. 20, 2008.
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Jan. 28, 2009

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