The key to TB diagnosis is a high index of suspicion coupled with proper diagnostic tests.

• Anyone who presents with signs or symptoms suggestive of TB, in particular cough (generally more than 2 weeks) should be further evaluated for possible TB disease.


• Cough is the most common symptom of PTB, but may not be present in up to a quarter of bacteriologically confirmed TB cases.


• Other signs or symptoms include hemoptysis, night sweats, fever, and weight loss.


• The most common way to detect PTB is by sputum smear microscopy. However, it is not a sensitive test and more rapid molecular tests such as Xpert/MTB/RIF should be used if available.