Is the Mantoux test useful to diagnose TB?
No. Mantoux test is to diagnose infection, not diagnose the disease. In TB, one can be infected but not have disease. The infection becomes disease only when the immunity drops. With the Mantoux, one cannot be certain that one has TB. If the Mantoux test is negative, one can be reasonably certain that there is no infection. In children it is sometimes useful. Even then all efforts should be directed towards getting a definitive diagnosis. Is TB a lifelong disease? No. TB is an infectious disease but is eminently treatable if one follows the physician’s advice. Once completely treated there is no need for a regular follow up like examination and x-rays. What is the duration of treatment? The minimum duration is six months. The physician will decide whether drugs are to be given either intermittently or daily depending on the severity. Both are equally effective. The duration of treatment is sometimes extended to nine months or more in some special situations. The physician in consultati
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