Atypical presentations of mucocutaneous TB in HIV: A case series from South Africa

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major burden of disease worldwide, especially in Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. Cutaneous forms of TB account for approximately 10 % of all extrapulmonary tuberculosis cases, with oral manifestations accounting for less than 1 % of the...

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Main Authors: Mahlatse Cordelia Kgokolo, Mohlominyane Jeffrey Mokheseng, Jabulile Johanna Makhubele, Shalate Charlotte Siwele, Tinashe Irvin Maphosa, Tsholofelo Kungoane
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-08-01
Series:Journal of Clinical Tuberculosis and Other Mycobacterial Diseases
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405579425000154
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author Mahlatse Cordelia Kgokolo
Mohlominyane Jeffrey Mokheseng
Jabulile Johanna Makhubele
Shalate Charlotte Siwele
Tinashe Irvin Maphosa
Tsholofelo Kungoane
author_facet Mahlatse Cordelia Kgokolo
Mohlominyane Jeffrey Mokheseng
Jabulile Johanna Makhubele
Shalate Charlotte Siwele
Tinashe Irvin Maphosa
Tsholofelo Kungoane
author_sort Mahlatse Cordelia Kgokolo
collection DOAJ
description Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major burden of disease worldwide, especially in Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. Cutaneous forms of TB account for approximately 10 % of all extrapulmonary tuberculosis cases, with oral manifestations accounting for less than 1 % of these cases. A high index of suspicion is essential when diagnosing rare clinical presentations. The response to treatment is excellent in most patients, particularly those receiving concomitant, effective antiretroviral (ARV) treatment. Patient presentation: We report two cases of lupus vulgaris in AIDS patients (CD4 count of 113 cells/mm3 and 172 cells/mm3, respectively) and one case of mucosal TB in a patient with CD4 count of 365 cells/mm3. All the patients were adults referred to the dermatology clinic. The atypical clinical presentations included papules, plaques, and ulcers affecting unusual sites, such as the upper and lower limbs in the case of lupus vulgaris and a tongue ulcer in the patient with oral TB, emphasizing the importance of strong suspicion in HIV-infected patients. All available diagnostic measures were used to confirm the diagnosis. Management: We demonstrate the importance of multidisciplinary care for patients and an excellent response to anti-TB treatment once diagnosed. We also emphasize the importance of concomitant ARV treatment and patient follow-up. Conclusion: The outcomes of two of the three patients were good, highlighting the importance of timely clinical diagnosis and treatment, including monitoring and follow-up, while ensuring continued ARV treatment.
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spelling doaj-art-6e425b2bea0b4ff2a1cf02d2d3e37ef22025-08-20T02:48:58ZengElsevierJournal of Clinical Tuberculosis and Other Mycobacterial Diseases2405-57942025-08-014010052410.1016/j.jctube.2025.100524Atypical presentations of mucocutaneous TB in HIV: A case series from South AfricaMahlatse Cordelia Kgokolo0Mohlominyane Jeffrey Mokheseng1Jabulile Johanna Makhubele2Shalate Charlotte Siwele3Tinashe Irvin Maphosa4Tsholofelo Kungoane5Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X323, Arcadia 0007, South Africa; Corresponding author.Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X323, Arcadia 0007, South AfricaDepartment of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X323, Arcadia 0007, South AfricaDepartment of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X323, Arcadia 0007, South AfricaDepartment of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X323, Arcadia 0007, South AfricaDepartment of Oral Pathology and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X323, Arcadia 0007, South AfricaIntroduction: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major burden of disease worldwide, especially in Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. Cutaneous forms of TB account for approximately 10 % of all extrapulmonary tuberculosis cases, with oral manifestations accounting for less than 1 % of these cases. A high index of suspicion is essential when diagnosing rare clinical presentations. The response to treatment is excellent in most patients, particularly those receiving concomitant, effective antiretroviral (ARV) treatment. Patient presentation: We report two cases of lupus vulgaris in AIDS patients (CD4 count of 113 cells/mm3 and 172 cells/mm3, respectively) and one case of mucosal TB in a patient with CD4 count of 365 cells/mm3. All the patients were adults referred to the dermatology clinic. The atypical clinical presentations included papules, plaques, and ulcers affecting unusual sites, such as the upper and lower limbs in the case of lupus vulgaris and a tongue ulcer in the patient with oral TB, emphasizing the importance of strong suspicion in HIV-infected patients. All available diagnostic measures were used to confirm the diagnosis. Management: We demonstrate the importance of multidisciplinary care for patients and an excellent response to anti-TB treatment once diagnosed. We also emphasize the importance of concomitant ARV treatment and patient follow-up. Conclusion: The outcomes of two of the three patients were good, highlighting the importance of timely clinical diagnosis and treatment, including monitoring and follow-up, while ensuring continued ARV treatment.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405579425000154HIVMycobacteriaLupus vulgarisOral TBTuberculosisAntiretroviral therapy
spellingShingle Mahlatse Cordelia Kgokolo
Mohlominyane Jeffrey Mokheseng
Jabulile Johanna Makhubele
Shalate Charlotte Siwele
Tinashe Irvin Maphosa
Tsholofelo Kungoane
Atypical presentations of mucocutaneous TB in HIV: A case series from South Africa
Journal of Clinical Tuberculosis and Other Mycobacterial Diseases
HIV
Mycobacteria
Lupus vulgaris
Oral TB
Tuberculosis
Antiretroviral therapy
title Atypical presentations of mucocutaneous TB in HIV: A case series from South Africa
title_full Atypical presentations of mucocutaneous TB in HIV: A case series from South Africa
title_fullStr Atypical presentations of mucocutaneous TB in HIV: A case series from South Africa
title_full_unstemmed Atypical presentations of mucocutaneous TB in HIV: A case series from South Africa
title_short Atypical presentations of mucocutaneous TB in HIV: A case series from South Africa
title_sort atypical presentations of mucocutaneous tb in hiv a case series from south africa
topic HIV
Mycobacteria
Lupus vulgaris
Oral TB
Tuberculosis
Antiretroviral therapy
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405579425000154
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