Multifocal Skin Tuberculosis: Report of A Case

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Dermatology

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in developing nations.
• Cutaneous tuberculosis (TB) is an uncommon manifestation, frequently presenting diagnostic challenges and often being overlooked.
• Children from endemic regions are at higher risk for disseminated TB, including skin involvement.

Observation:

• A case of a child from Pakistan presenting with multifocal cutaneous and pulmonary tuberculosis.
• Clinical presentation included skin abscesses suggestive of disseminated disease.
• Diagnostic confirmation was achieved through microbiological analysis of biopsied abscesses.

Findings:

• Microbiologic confirmation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in cutaneous lesions.
• Successful treatment outcome with a standard four-drug anti-TB regimen.
• Rapid and significant improvement of both cutaneous and pulmonary lesions following treatment initiation.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of considering cutaneous TB in children with risk factors.
• Emphasizes the utility of biopsy and microbiologic studies for diagnosing rare TB presentations.
• Underscores the need for a high index of suspicion for TB in pediatric patients from endemic regions.