Microbiology · Mycobacteria (Tuberculosis, Leprosy, Atypical)

The primary tuberculosis complex in a child consists of a peripheral lung lesion and enlarged hilar lymph nodes. This combination was originally described as:

  • A Ghon complex (Ranke complex)
  • B Simon focus
  • C Assmann focus
  • D Rich focus
Correct answer: A. Ghon complex (Ranke complex)

Explanation

The Ghon complex (also called Ranke complex) is the combination of the Ghon focus (a small area of caseating granulomatous inflammation, typically subpleural) and the enlarged caseous hilar/mediastinal lymph nodes draining that area, forming the primary tuberculosis complex in children. On healing, the Ghon focus calcifies and is visible on chest X-ray as a calcified nodule. The Simon foci are apical secondary foci seeded hematogenously; Assmann/Fleischner foci are subapical lesions in post-primary tuberculosis.

Reference: Ananthanarayan & Paniker's Textbook of Microbiology, 11th ed.

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