primary tuberculosis

primary tuberculosis

n.

Tuberculosis caused by infection with tubercle bacilli and characterized by the formation of a primary complex in the lungs consisting of a small peripheral pulmonary focus and hilar or paratracheal lymph node involvement; it may cavitate and heal with scarring or progress.

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primary tuberculosis,

the childhood form of tuberculosis, most commonly occurring in the lungs, the posterior pharynx, or, rarely, the skin. Infants lack resistance to the disease and are readily infected and especially vulnerable to rapid and extensive spread of infection through the body. In childhood the disease is usually brief and benign, characterized by regional lymphadenopathy, calcification of the tubercles, and residual immunity. The disease may reactivate later in life. The tuberculin test result will be positive for life. See also tuberculosis.