[Transfer factor therapy in a patient with anergic pulmonary tuberculosis]

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Severe, relapsing pulmonary tuberculosis can lead to progressive clinical deterioration.
• Cutaneous anergy to tuberculin may occur in advanced tuberculosis.
• Coinfection with non-tuberculous mycobacteria, such as Mycobacterium intracellulare, complicates treatment.

Observation:

• A patient with severe, relapsing pulmonary tuberculosis presented with clinical deterioration and cutaneous anergy.
• Sputum cultures confirmed the presence of Mycobacterium intracellulare.
• The patient received transfer factor therapy (transferfactorZurich).

Findings:

• Transfer factor therapy led to slow but significant clinical improvement.
• Skin reactivity to tuberculin was restored following treatment.
• Sputum cultures converted to negative, indicating clearance of Mycobacterium intracellulare.
• Radiological findings showed no significant change.

Implications:

• Transfer factor may be a potential therapeutic option for severe, drug-resistant tuberculosis, especially with atypical mycobacterial coinfection.
• Restoration of cell-mediated immunity is crucial for managing complex mycobacterial infections.
• Further research is warranted to explore the efficacy and mechanisms of transfer factor in tuberculosis treatment.