Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
10:04
Analysis of 18FDG PET/CT Imaging as a Tool for Studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and Treatment in Non-human Primates
Published on: September 5, 2017
Fever of unknown origin caused by tuberculosis.
Jason J Bofinger1, David Schlossberg
1Section of Infectious Diseases, Temple University Hospital, Parkinson Pavilion, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
Infectious Disease Clinics of North America
|December 7, 2007
Summary
Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant cause of fever of unknown origin. Early diagnosis and empirical antituberculous therapy are crucial for patients with undiagnosed fever, especially those with risk factors for TB.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Internal Medicine
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) is a frequent cause of fever of unknown origin (FUO).
- Identifying patients at risk for TB is essential for timely diagnosis.
- Risk factors include travel, age, dialysis, diabetes, high TB prevalence country of birth, and immunoincompetence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the salient risk factors, clinical clues, and diagnostic modalities for tuberculosis in patients with fever of unknown origin.
- To emphasize the importance of considering empirical antituberculous therapy when diagnosis is challenging.
Main Methods:
- Review of noninvasive and invasive diagnostic modalities for tuberculosis.
- Analysis of clinical findings, radiologic evaluation, and laboratory abnormalities associated with TB in FUO.
Main Results:
- Physical findings, radiologic data, and hematologic/endocrinologic abnormalities can suggest TB.
- Diagnosis can be elusive, necessitating a high index of suspicion.
Conclusions:
- Tuberculosis should be strongly considered in unexplained fever cases, particularly with identified risk factors.
- Therapeutic and diagnostic trials of antituberculous therapy are recommended for FUO patients when diagnosis remains uncertain.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health concern, primarily targeting the lungs and spreading through airborne transmission. Infection begins when aerosolized droplet nuclei, expelled by an individual with active TB, are inhaled by another person. These microscopic particles carry Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of TB. Upon reaching the alveoli, the bacilli are engulfed by alveolar macrophages. However, due to their specialized lipid-rich cell wall, these pathogens...
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
01:25Types of Fever
Fever can be triggered by several factors, including infections, nervous system disorders, certain cancers, blood diseases like leukemia, embolism, thrombosis, heatstroke, dehydration, surgical trauma, crushing injuries, and allergic reactions.
Here are the different types of fever:
Here are the different types of fever:
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
01:31Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
01:26Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Tuberculosis, more commonly referred to as TB, is an infectious disease stemming from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily impacts the lungs, TB can also affect other body areas. Given its severity and global impact, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for controlling its spread and improving patient outcomes.
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...