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Disseminated tuberculosis with rare coccygeal involvement: a case report
Sarra Baziaa1, Adil Zegmout1, Mohamed Beaouiss1
1Pulmonology Department, Mohamed V Military Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.
Access Microbiology
|July 23, 2025
Summary
This case study details a rare instance of coccygeal tuberculosis (TB) in an immunocompetent individual. Non-invasive diagnosis and anti-TB therapy led to complete symptom resolution.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) is a global health concern, often affecting developing nations.
- Spinal TB accounts for 1-2% of TB cases, with sacrococcygeal involvement being exceptionally rare.
- Disseminated TB can present with unusual localizations, even in immunocompetent individuals.
Observation:
- A 64-year-old patient with diabetes presented with chronic back pain, cough, a perianal fistula, and elbow arthritis.
- Physical examination and non-invasive Xpert MTB/RIF testing confirmed disseminated tuberculosis with coccygeal involvement.
- The patient's immunocompetent status made the coccygeal TB localization particularly noteworthy.
Findings:
- The Xpert MTB/RIF assay successfully identified *Mycobacterium tuberculosis* non-invasively.
- The patient achieved complete symptom resolution after initiating anti-TB therapy.
- This case underscores the successful diagnosis and treatment of a rare form of TB.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering TB in patients with chronic back pain and systemic symptoms, even with rare localizations.
- Demonstrates the efficacy of non-invasive diagnostic tools like Xpert MTB/RIF for early TB detection.
- Emphasizes the curability of TB with appropriate and timely anti-TB treatment, regardless of disease manifestation.
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