Which infectious disease primarily attacks the lungs and can cause progressive necrosis and granulation of lung tissue?

• A. TB
• B. COVID-19
• C. Pneumonia
• D. Pulmonary embolism

Answer: (A)

Tuberculosis primarily targets the lungs and is known for a chronic granulomatous inflammatory response in pulmonary tissue. The hallmark is granuloma formation with central caseous (cheese-like) necrosis, which reflects ongoing tissue destruction and can progress to cavitation and loss of lung architecture if not treated. This pattern of necrosis within granulomatous tissue is what sets TB apart from other infectious or vascular lung conditions.

Other options don’t fit this pattern. COVID-19 and pneumonia cause acute inflammatory involvement of the lungs, usually with diffuse alveolar inflammation or consolidation rather than organized granulomas with caseous necrosis. A pulmonary embolism is a vascular blockage, not an infectious process, and it doesn’t create granulomatous necrosis in lung tissue.