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Hi, I Have Been Diagnosed TB As Positive By Two

Posted on Thu, 23 Jun 2022

Question: Hi, i have been diagnosed TB as positive by two tests i.e. mantoux skin test and TB gold on 27-sep-21 and i have been advised to take AKT-4 tablets every day by a doctor. i am taking it regularly since then. on 13-mar-22, i got my TB gold test done again to check the TB. but my test still showing it as positive. why is it so that it is still showing as positive. is my medicine not effective or do i need to change the medicine.

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It will remain positive for very long.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the query.
TBGold is a very sensitive test and it will remain positive very long may be months or years, the mantaux skin test remain positive for life long.
Positive TB gold test does not indicate your treatment is inadequate.
You have to complete the full course and plan for a sputum test later.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Shinas Hussain (6 hours later)

Hi!

i do not have TB in Lung/chest. i do not have any type sputum coming. i was told that it is a bone TB as i have pain in my right bottom ribs of chest.

for bone TB, how to check whether my TB has gone or getting reduced. how long medicine will have to be taken, already it has been 4 months. please advice me

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (27 hours later)

Brief Answer:
What were your symptoms?

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Why the TB test was done previously? What was your symptoms? Is there any history or contact with TB patients especially in family?
Waiting for your response

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Shinas Hussain (3 days later)

I was having continuous pain in my right side back ribs of chest. because of that i was asked to get these tb test done. then it came out in both test mantoux & TB gold then doctor told to start tb curing course i.e. AKT-4, but i am not getting relaxed from my pain. it is slightly reduced but pain is still there, i am also getting ESR value as 25.

i want to know if chest is clear then can i have bone TB. if yes then how to confirm it. i got all my test done. chest x ray, CT scan, MRI, usg but nothing has come out which can say it 100% from TB. TB gold is the only which is saying TB as positive.

please advice me.

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (2 days later)

Brief Answer:
Detailed evaluation is required

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
In your case more detailed evaluation is required to find out exact cause.
Most probably the pain may be due to something else often musculoskeletal causes like costochondritis. You may be having a sub clinical TB infection and that might be the reason for positive TB test.
However nothing wrong in continuing the ATT, as TB gold is positive.
You can opt for a PER scan for any active TB lesion in the ribs after consulting with your treating physician.
Thanks

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T