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Pulmonary tuberculosis — ABFM Board MCQ

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HardInfectious diseasePulmonary tuberculosisABFM Board

A 39-year-old man has fever, night sweats, weight loss, and cough for 6 weeks. Chest radiograph shows right upper lobe cavitary disease. Sputum acid-fast bacilli smear is positive. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: E — Pulmonary tuberculosis

Chronic cough, fever, weight loss, night sweats, upper-lobe cavitary disease, and positive AFB smear are most consistent with active pulmonary tuberculosis. Public health notification and multidrug therapy are required.

Reference: CDC Tuberculosis Treatment Guidance