Pulmonary tuberculosis: Improving diagnosis and management.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health concern worldwide and the world's second most common cause of death from infectious disease after HIV/AIDS. With the emergence of resistant strains of tuberculosis and increase in immunosuppressed patients, clinicians must be familiar with the clinical presentation of this potentially deadly infection. This article reviews the pathology, signs and symptoms, diagnostics, and management of TB, focusing on recent advances in drug therapy for drug-sensitive and drug-resistant forms. A better understanding of TB will help clinicians identify the disease early, reduce transmission, and provide treatment to prevent complications and reduce patient morbidity and mortality.