Clinical & Experimental Cardiology
Open Access

Disseminated Tuberculosis

Disseminated tuberculosis, also known as widespread tuberculosis, is a contagious infection in which a tuberculosis infection has spread from the lungs to other parts of the body, with multiple organs affected. Disseminated tuberculosis can occur within weeks of infection with tuberculosis or years afterwards. The diagnosis of this form of TB involves taking a sample from the organ, that is believed to be affected, to prove the presence of an infection. The treatment of disseminated tuberculosis usually involves taking a combination of antibiotics for 6 to 12 months. Most people recover well, although it does take time for the symptoms to improve. People who may be experiencing symptoms linked to disseminated tuberculosis can use the free Ada app to carry out a symptom assessment.