Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
10:04
Analysis of 18FDG PET/CT Imaging as a Tool for Studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and Treatment in Non-human Primates
Published on: September 5, 2017
Tuberculous dactylitis--an easily missed diagnosis.
N Ritz1, T G Connell, M Tebruegge
1Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne and Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of General Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia. nicole.ritz@rch.org.au
Summary
Tuberculous dactylitis, a rare bone infection, is increasingly seen in children due to global travel. Early diagnosis and standard multi-drug treatment are key for managing this uncommon form of tuberculosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Global tuberculosis (TB) prevalence is rising, leading to more frequent presentations of uncommon TB forms.
- Tuberculous dactylitis, a type of tuberculous osteomyelitis, is recognized in high-prevalence TB regions.
Observation:
- A systematic review identified 37 pediatric tuberculous dactylitis cases over 17 years.
- Children under 10 are most affected, primarily in the hands.
- Pulmonary TB co-occurs in 20% of cases; systemic symptoms are rare.
Findings:
- Positive Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) and Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) aid diagnosis but aren't definitive.
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis detection via PCR or culture confirms tuberculous dactylitis.
- Standard 3-4 drug anti-TB regimens are recommended; optimal duration is unclear.
Implications:
- Increased global travel necessitates awareness of less common TB manifestations like tuberculous dactylitis.
- Definitive diagnosis relies on microbiological confirmation.
- While surgery has a limited role, curettage may benefit avascular lesions.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Tuberculosis, more commonly referred to as TB, is an infectious disease stemming from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily impacts the lungs, TB can also affect other body areas. Given its severity and global impact, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for controlling its spread and improving patient outcomes.
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
01:23Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health concern, primarily targeting the lungs and spreading through airborne transmission. Infection begins when aerosolized droplet nuclei, expelled by an individual with active TB, are inhaled by another person. These microscopic particles carry Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of TB. Upon reaching the alveoli, the bacilli are engulfed by alveolar macrophages. However, due to their specialized lipid-rich cell wall, these pathogens...
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
01:31Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Medical management of tuberculosis (TB) patients involves a comprehensive approach that includes diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. The specific strategies can vary depending on the type of tuberculosis (latent or active), the patient's overall health status, and other considerations.
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
01:28Diphtheria
Diphtheria is an acute, toxin-mediated infectious disease that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract. It is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, a Gram-positive, pleomorphic rod that lacks spore-forming capability and exhibits a characteristic club-shaped morphology under microscopic examination. While C. diphtheriae can asymptomatically colonize mucosal surfaces, clinical disease manifests only when the bacterial strain is lysogenized by a specific β-corynephage. This phage...