Here, we show that by combining a number of established clinical variables used in TB diagnosis measuring bacterial burden (Xpertct value), systemic inflammation (plasma CRP and monocyte/lymphocyte ratio) and radiographic evidence of pulmonary disease extent on chest radiograph (Timika score), we were able to define TB disease extent as a continuum with higher scores associating with delayed culture conversion and unfavorable clinical outcomes (treatment failure and relapse). The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is tuberculosis.