Cervical Tuberculous Lymphadenitis in a Healthy Individual Following Latent Tuberculosis Treatment: A Case Report

A 33-year-old healthy female, employed as a hospital-based physical therapist, was exposed to a colleague diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis. Screening revealed a positive interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) result. She was diagnosed with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and completed a 6-month isoniazid (INH) regimen. Nine months post-treatment, she presented to the otolaryngology department with right cervical swelling and ulceration. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the pus confirmed Mycobacterium tuberculosis, establishing a diagnosis of cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis. She was referred to our hospital, where anti-tuberculosis therapy led to symptom resolution. Post-LTBI follow-up primarily monitors for pulmonary tuberculosis, focusing on chest abnormalities or respiratory symptoms, particularly in high-risk individuals with immunodeficiency. However, extrapulmonary tuberculosis can occur even in healthy individual's post-LTBI treatment, necessitating vigilance.