Cutaneous tuberculosis: epidemiologic, etiopathogenic and clinical aspects - Part I

Abstract

Cutaneous tuberculosis (CTB) is the result of a chronic infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M. ovis and occasionally by the Calmette-Guerin bacillus. The clinical manifestations are variable and depend on the interaction of several factors including the site of infection and the host's immunity. This article revises the current knowledge about this disease's physiopathology and immunology as well as detailing the possible clinical presentations.

Tuberculosis extrapulmonar, una revisión

“…Clinical manifestations of cutaneous tuberculosis greatly vary depending on the pathogenic form, the route of infection, previous sensitization and patient's immunological condition 29 . For over twenty years now, the most widely accepted classification is that by Tappeiner and Wolff 30 , which takes into consideration the route of infection and the immunological condition of patients.…”

Lichen Scrofulosorum in a Patient with Tuberculous Cervical Lymphadenopathy: A case report

“…Tuberculids consist one type of CTB and they include conditions such as papulonecrotic tuberculid, LS, erythema induratum of Bazin, and erythema nodosum [5]. Tuberculids are thought to be due to hematogenous spread of bacilli in a person with a moderate or high degree of immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis [7,8].…”

“…The eruption is frequently associated with a strongly positive tuberculin reaction. Diagnosis of LS is frequently delayed because of its rarity and resemblance to many other dermatological conditions [5]. The differential diagnosis may include lichen spinulosus, lichen nitidus, keratosis pilaris, pityriasis rubra pilaris, and lichenoid sarcoidosis [14].…”

Cutaneous and articular tuberculosis in a renal transplant recipient

“…In developing countries, such as Brazil, pulmonary TB is much more common than extra-pulmonary TB, especially the cutaneous form of the disease [4][5][6] . The clinical presentation of cutaneous/subcutaneous TB is quite varied and includes inflammatory papules, verrucous plaques, suppurative nodules, and chronic ulcers 7 . In this case, the lesions started out as violaceous papules, suppurative nodules, and chronic ulcers.…”

“…The diagnosis was based on skin biopsy findings and culture of the synovial fluid from the left knee of the patient. TB abscesses typically affect malnourished children and immunocompromised adults, including patients receiving SOTs and are rarely reported in immunocompetent patients 7 . The detection of bacilli in cutaneous lesions is a true challenge: on average, all diagnostic methods have lower sensitivity and specificity rates compared to those observed in the pulmonary form of the disease 8 .…”