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Lingual tuberculosis: a rare disease in Western countries
Maria Bruna Pasticci1, Piero Floridi, Elisabetta Schiaroli
1Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy. pasticci@unipg.it
The New Microbiologica
|June 19, 2012
Summary
Tuberculosis can affect the tongue in immunocompetent individuals, leading to delayed diagnosis and widespread disease. Early consideration of tuberculosis is crucial for chronic lingual lesions, even without lung involvement.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant global health concern, typically affecting the lungs.
- Oral manifestations of TB are rare, particularly in immunocompetent individuals without pulmonary disease.
Observation:
- Two immunocompetent, HIV-negative patients presented with lingual lesions indicative of tuberculosis.
- Diagnosis was delayed in both cases, resulting in disease progression to lungs, lymph nodes, and brain.
Findings:
- Cultures identified Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which was multi-susceptible in both patients.
- Despite initial delays, both patients achieved disease-free status at follow-up (30 and 22 months).
Implications:
- This case series highlights the importance of considering tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis of chronic or recurrent lingual lesions.
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for TB, even in the absence of typical pulmonary symptoms, in immunocompetent patients.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent disseminated disease and improve patient outcomes.
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