Tuberculosis infection can affect which organs besides the lungs?

Tuberculosis infection can affect which organs besides the lungs?

• A. Heart and spleen
• B. Kidneys, spine, and brain
• C. Lungs only
• D. Muscles only

Answer: (B)

Tuberculosis infection can spread beyond the lungs, leading to extrapulmonary TB. When the bacteria disseminate through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, they can seed other organs. The kidneys, spine, and brain are classic targets: kidney TB can cause urinary symptoms with sterile pyuria, spinal TB (Pott disease) can produce back pain and potential vertebral damage, and brain TB can result in TB meningitis with headaches and neurologic changes. These sites illustrate how TB isn’t limited to the lungs and why such dissemination is a key concept. While TB can involve other organs in disseminated cases, kidneys, spine, and brain are among the most well-known extrapulmonary targets.

Tuberculosis infection can spread beyond the lungs, leading to extrapulmonary TB. When the bacteria disseminate through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, they can seed other organs. The kidneys, spine, and brain are classic targets: kidney TB can cause urinary symptoms with sterile pyuria, spinal TB (Pott disease) can produce back pain and potential vertebral damage, and brain TB can result in TB meningitis with headaches and neurologic changes. These sites illustrate how TB isn’t limited to the lungs and why such dissemination is a key concept. While TB can involve other organs in disseminated cases, kidneys, spine, and brain are among the most well-known extrapulmonary targets.