A 35-year-old man travels on a multidestination vacation over a 2 month period, including lengthy stops in tropical Africa and Southeast Asia. Six weeks after returning come home to the United States, he develops a productive cough, fatigue, weight loss, low-grade fever, and night sweats. What disease should the physician consider as a result of his travel history?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described are consistent with pulmonary TB, which is endemic in both tropical Africa and Southeast Asia. The prolonged incubation period makes it possible for symptoms to develop after the patient has returned home. Streptococcal and gram-negative pneumonia typically do not have such a delayed onset, and primary atypical pneumonia is less likely given the patient's travel history.

A 35-Year-Old Man Travels on a Multidestination Vacation Over a 2