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What Is Bone Tuberculosis?

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Posted on Wed, 16 Apr 2014
Question: Based on information provided in medical history below, do you feel that there is a significant reason to believe I have tuberculosis of the bone, especially considering I was vaccinated in XXXXXXX and immune marker/antibody to TB no longer activated? Also consider predisposition and that most symptoms are present?
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Answered by Dr. Prahlad Duggal (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: Descriptive. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for the query. Your symptoms do not point to tuberculosis of bone. You seem to be suspecting tuberculosis in toes which is an unlikely scenario considering your symptoms. Bone tuberculosis usually presents with certain findings in xrays and fluid aspiration from the area. Just the symptoms of low grade fever, night sweats, fatigue and severe pain in toes does not conclude that you have tuberculosis in toes. Your vaccination history and the results of your immune status for tuberculosis is also not diagnostic as these results don't conclusively prove anything. You have labelled your status as genetic predisposition to TB because of your father having spinal tuberculosis is a misfounded thinking. Spinal tuberculosis is not contagious and father having spinal TB does not in any way genetically predisposes the children to TB. Please see a physician to get yourself examined and investigated for fever. If your physician deems it necessary, he/she may order a chest xray, and other investigations like blood and urine tests. If bony TB is suspected, xray of the affected area and if some swellinf is ther, aspiration and testing the area will help in reaching to a conclusion. Till that time, you should relax and take some antipyretic and analgesics. Feel free to ask another query. Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Follow up: Dr. Prahlad Duggal (1 hour later)
Is it possible for TB from vaccination to become activated because I have severe immune deficiency and do not have protective antibodies to keep it dormant?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prahlad Duggal (9 hours later)
Brief Answer: it is independent of the vaccination status Detailed Answer: Thanks for the query. At your age, it is irrelevant that TB vaccine can become reactivated because of immune deficiency because at your age, most of the people will harbour TB bacillus in the body in dormant condition with or without vaccination. So, if it is to get activated, it is independent of the vaccination status in most of the cases. So, you emphasis should be on reaching to a diagnosis with the help of a physician and orthopedician and should not think about how you have acquired that infection. But mind it, you have not been diagnosed with TB as of now. Feel free to ask another query. Regards
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Answered by
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Dr. Prahlad Duggal

ENT Specialist

Practicing since :1998

Answered : 784 Questions

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What Is Bone Tuberculosis?

Brief Answer: Descriptive. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for the query. Your symptoms do not point to tuberculosis of bone. You seem to be suspecting tuberculosis in toes which is an unlikely scenario considering your symptoms. Bone tuberculosis usually presents with certain findings in xrays and fluid aspiration from the area. Just the symptoms of low grade fever, night sweats, fatigue and severe pain in toes does not conclude that you have tuberculosis in toes. Your vaccination history and the results of your immune status for tuberculosis is also not diagnostic as these results don't conclusively prove anything. You have labelled your status as genetic predisposition to TB because of your father having spinal tuberculosis is a misfounded thinking. Spinal tuberculosis is not contagious and father having spinal TB does not in any way genetically predisposes the children to TB. Please see a physician to get yourself examined and investigated for fever. If your physician deems it necessary, he/she may order a chest xray, and other investigations like blood and urine tests. If bony TB is suspected, xray of the affected area and if some swellinf is ther, aspiration and testing the area will help in reaching to a conclusion. Till that time, you should relax and take some antipyretic and analgesics. Feel free to ask another query. Regards