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Primary infection

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Primary infection usually occurs in the lung resulting in a 'primary complex', which is a combination of:

  • the primary (Ghon) focus of infection in the lung parenchyma, and
  • caseous involvement of the regional lymph nodes, usually hilar nodes

If the initial site of infection is the ileum or the tonsil then the affected nodes will be the mesenteric or cervical.

In the majority of patients the primary complex heals and calcifies and the person becomes entirely asymptomatic but becomes sensitized to tuberculoprotein.

In a minority of patients the process of healing may not be complete and the patient may develop progressive pulmonary tuberculosis.


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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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