Cutaneous tuberculosis overview and current treatment regimens

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health threat, causing millions of new cases annually.
• Cutaneous tuberculosis (CTB) is an uncommon form, accounting for 1-1.5% of extrapulmonary TB.
• CTB presents varied skin manifestations, from papules to ulcers, and can be caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis or atypical mycobacteria.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the classification, clinical presentations, and treatment landscape of cutaneous tuberculosis.
• To highlight the challenges in managing CTB, including drug resistance and limited therapeutic options.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on cutaneous tuberculosis.
• Analysis of classification systems for CTB.
• Summary of current treatment strategies for true CTB and atypical mycobacterial infections.

Main Results:

• CTB classification includes inoculation, endogenous, and hematogenous types.
• Lesions range from papules to ulcers and plaques, with potential for disfigurement.
• True CTB requires multi-drug oral therapy; atypical mycobacterial infections often show drug resistance.

Conclusions:

• Limited treatment options exist for CTB, with conventional oral therapy and surgery being primary interventions.
• Drug-resistant strains and poor patient compliance complicate treatment outcomes.
• There is an unmet need for novel therapeutic approaches, including topical therapies for CTB.