High CRP and Positive Mantoux

[Ritsbiz]

Hi,
My friend was given hormonal medication promulet for endometriosis for several weeks due to prolonged and heavy periods (current doc says she did not have endometriotic problem at all).

She has been suffering from mild temperature averaging 99.6, lethargy, sickness feeling for a few weeks now and was tested this week. CRP came high at 8.2, Hb was low at 10.2, and Montoux test came positive 12mm x 10mm. xray of chest came normal..no coughing.

What does all this indicate; what can you diagnose from these and what further tests are advisable. A quick response would be highly appreciated as she is v worried.
Many thanks

[mkh9]

Well, they should do three sputums in a row to confirm because some days can come up negative. Since the chest xray was  normal then so far so good. I would keep an eye on the symptoms. If they don't get better or get a lot worse or there is a lot coughing and night sweats etc. then retest. It may be some other virus. The TB skin test may have been like that due to past exposure.
mkh9

[Ritsbiz]

Thank you, we got sputum tests done and it came out as no TB... what a relief!

[mkh9]

I am not a doctor but these are all signs of TB exposure. So, it means she has been exposed at some point and when her immunity goes down she may develop TB in the lung. She could get prophylaxic Isoniazid (INH). I would see if the doctor reccommends the antibiotic or not. Since she has some symptoms she may develop TB but the bacteria that cause TB haven't taken over yet.  CRP (C-Reactive protein) is high during inflammation and infection. TB symptoms are extreme fatigue, low grade or higher fever, and cough. The Mantoux is a TB skin test, if it is > than 10mm redness and swelling it is positive for past or present exposure.