A 62-Year-Old Man Comes to the Physician Because of Recent

A 62-year-old man comes to the physician because of recent weight loss, cough, and occasional hemoptysis.  His past medical history is significant for poorly controlled diabetes mellitus and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treated with bronchodilators and oral corticosteroids.  Chest x-ray shows pulmonary infiltrates and an area of cavitation in the right upper lobe.  Sputum microscopy shows acid-fast bacilli.  Which of the following is the most accurate statement concerning this patient's pulmonary infection?

A) First exposure to the bacilli occurred recently
B) Healing of the lung lesion would result in Ghon complex formation
C) It originated from reactivation of an old infection
D) It was facilitated by low levels of protective antibodies
E) Negative tuberculin skin test would signify strong cell-mediated immunity

Correct Answer:

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