Cutaneous Manifestations of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: A Literature Review

Abstract

Tuberculosis is an ancient disease that humanity struggled with for centuries and continues to struggle with. The bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis often infects the lungs through respiratory transmission and manifests itself through various symptoms, including cutaneous infections. Cutaneous tuberculosis (CTB) comprises about 1% to 1.5% of all extrapulmonary manifestations and is often accompanied by polymorphous lesions, including papules, nodules, plaques, ulcers, gummas, and verrucous lesions. CTB is most commonly observed in low-income, HIV, and immunosuppressed populations, similar to intrapulmonary manifestations. The main pathogen for CTB is M. tuberculosis but less commonly with M. bovis and BCG vaccine, and the modes of transmission are largely classified into exogenous and endogenous CTB. Current treatment options for CTB include oral therapy of antibiotic medications such as rifampicin, streptomycin, ethambutol, isoniazid, and pyrazinamide, which is occasionally combined with surgical intervention.

Zoonotic Diseases Caused by Mastitic Milk

“… Tuberculosis metritis may result in infertility and abortion, and chronic purulent vaginal discharge can be seen.  Military tuberculosis caused by a hematogenous route can result in acute or subacute death from primary or secondary lesions (Nguyen et al 2023).…”

A Case Report on Scrofuloderma: A Cutaneous Manifestation of Tuberculosis

“…The pathogenesis of scrofuloderma involves the breakdown of the skin barrier due to the direct extension of an underlying TB focus, such as an infected lymph node or bone. This extension is facilitated by the body's immune response to infection, which attempts to contain the spread of mycobacteria but, in doing so, leads to inflammation and necrosis of the affected tissues [ 6 ]. The clinical presentation of scrofuloderma is characterized by the appearance of nodules that gradually enlarge, become fluctuant, and eventually rupture, forming ulcers that discharge a characteristic seropurulent material.…”