Simple Primary Tuberculosis in an Elderly Woman

Abstract

The diagnosis of primary tuberculous infection was made in a 78-year-old woman. The chest roentgenographic findings were remarkably similar to those often seen in children and adolescents with primary infection. Like the majority of adults with this entity, the patient was asymptomatic; the diagnosis was suspected epidemiologically and was confirmed by culture of M. tuberculosis from the sputum. As the incidence of new tuberculosis cases declines, the diagnosis of primary tuberculosis in the adult may be made more frequently.

Primary Tuberculosis in Adults

“…Adults and the elderly in developed countries with diseases that affect the integrity of their immune system will increase the chances for the development of primary tuberculosis infection (Alexander et al 1979;Ikejoe et al 1992). Young adults with preexisting HIV infection are particularly susceptible to co-infection with primary pulmonary tuberculosis.…”

“…This tradition, however, has been modified in rich, developed and industrialized countries that adopted successful tuberculosis control programs starting in the nineteenth century. Developed industrialized countries at present harbor only 5% of the world burden of tuberculosis, and the population group most infected is over 65 years of age (Alexander et al 1979) (see Chap. 3).…”