Abstract

CUTANEOUS TUBERCULOSIS IN CHILDREN: A RARE CASE REPORT

Shreyash Thakare* and Adarshlata Singh

ABSTRACT

Cutaneous Tuberculosis (TB) can have different clinical presentations depending on the source of infection, including exogenous inoculation, contiguous spread, and hematogenous spread. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a high suspicion of cutaneous TB in relevant clinical settings. To simplify the terminology used to describe the clinical manifestations of cutaneous TB, this chapter classifies them based on the source of infection, and the clinical and histological features of the skin lesions. Once cutaneous TB is suspected, submitting a biopsy for culture and histopathology is important for diagnosis. In cases where histopathology is inconclusive, monoclonal antibodies and PCR testing can be useful. PCR has proven to be particularly valuable in identifying M. tuberculosis from skin biopsies when culture results are negative. In most cases, combination chemotherapy is required to treat cutaneous TB, especially for patients with extra cutaneous disease, multiple skin lesions, and those with compromised immune systems. Additionally, surgery can serve as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool for cutaneous TB.

Keywords: Antitubercular therapy, tuberculin skin test, cbnaat, extrapulmonary tuberculosis (eptb), cutaneous tuberculosis.