Tuberculous cellulitis

Tuberculous cellulitis

Tuberculous cellulitis (pronunciation: too-ber-kyoo-lus sel-yoo-lahy-tis) is a rare form of cutaneous tuberculosis, a skin infection caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium.

Etymology

The term "tuberculous" is derived from the Latin word "tuberculum," which means a small swelling or lump, referring to the granulomas often seen in tuberculosis infections. "Cellulitis" is derived from the Latin "cellula" meaning a small cell and "-itis" a suffix used in pathological terms to denote inflammation.

Definition

Tuberculous cellulitis is a rare form of skin tuberculosis that presents as a skin inflammation, often mistaken for common cellulitis. It is caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium, the same bacterium that causes pulmonary tuberculosis.

Symptoms

Symptoms of tuberculous cellulitis may include redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected area, similar to common cellulitis. However, unlike common cellulitis, tuberculous cellulitis may also present with systemic symptoms such as fever, weight loss, and night sweats, which are characteristic of tuberculosis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of tuberculous cellulitis can be challenging due to its rarity and its similar presentation to common cellulitis. It often requires a high index of suspicion, especially in patients with a history of tuberculosis or those living in areas with high tuberculosis prevalence. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through skin biopsy and culture.

Treatment

Treatment for tuberculous cellulitis typically involves a combination of antituberculous drugs, such as isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. The duration of treatment is usually long, often lasting 6 to 9 months, similar to the treatment duration for pulmonary tuberculosis.

Related Terms

• Cutaneous tuberculosis
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Cellulitis
• Tuberculosis
• Antituberculous drugs

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Tuberculous cellulitis
• Wikipedia's article - Tuberculous cellulitis

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