Tuberculous cellulitis

Tuberculous cellulitis
Synonyms
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Infectious disease, Dermatology
Symptoms	Skin lesions, Erythema, Swelling, Pain
Complications	Chronic infection, Scarring
Onset
Duration
Types	N/A
Causes	Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Risks	Immunocompromised state, HIV/AIDS, Malnutrition
Diagnosis	Skin biopsy, Culture, PCR
Differential diagnosis	Bacterial cellulitis, Fungal infection, Sarcoidosis
Prevention	BCG vaccine, Infection control
Treatment	Antitubercular therapy, Antibiotics
Medication	Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Ethambutol, Pyrazinamide
Prognosis
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Tuberculous cellulitis is a rare form of cutaneous tuberculosis that is caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium. This condition is characterized by the presence of skin lesions that are typically painful and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, weight loss, and night sweats.

Causes

Tuberculous cellulitis is caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium. This bacterium is typically transmitted through the air when a person with active tuberculosis coughs or sneezes. In rare cases, the bacterium can infect the skin and cause tuberculous cellulitis.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of tuberculous cellulitis is the presence of skin lesions. These lesions are typically painful and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, weight loss, and night sweats. In some cases, the affected skin may also be swollen and red.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of tuberculous cellulitis is typically made based on the patient's symptoms and a physical examination. In some cases, a biopsy of the affected skin may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Other diagnostic tests may include a chest X-ray and a tuberculin skin test.

Treatment

The treatment for tuberculous cellulitis typically involves a combination of antibiotics to kill the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium. This treatment is typically long-term, often lasting for several months. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the affected skin.

See also

• Cutaneous tuberculosis
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Tuberculosis