[Characteristics of bacterial discharge in patients with different forms of pulmonary tuberculosis]

Clinical implications of L-form pulmonary tuberculosis have been investigated in 268 patients. Of them 223 had active respiratory tuberculosis, 45 demonstrated residual disease. New cases of L-form tuberculosis were characterized by poor clinical symptoms and favourable outcomes. Association of L-forms with bacterial discharge produced apparent symptoms and progressive trends. Detection of L-forms in inactive pulmonary process indicated latent activity of tuberculosis apt to recur.