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Pulmonary tuberculosis — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

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EasyCoughPulmonary tuberculosisMCCQE Part 1

A 45-year-old man who immigrated from the Philippines 6 months ago has 2 weeks of productive cough, fever, night sweats, and 5 kg weight loss. CXR: right upper lobe cavitary lesion. Most appropriate initial investigation?

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Correct answer: D — Sputum for acid-fast bacilli smear and culture

Classic pulmonary TB. Sputum AFB smear and culture is gold standard. Three early-morning specimens recommended. TST/IGRA for latent TB only. TB is reportable in Canada.

Reference: Canadian Tuberculosis Standards, 8th Ed