Orificial tuberculosis: detection by polymerase chain reaction.
Orificial tuberculosis (OT) is a rare manifestation of cutaneous tuberculosis in immunocompromised individuals. Due to its variable clinical features, the diagnosis may be missed at the onset of the disease. We report a 53-year-old patient who had OT and miliary spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to the lungs, liver, bones and skin. The diagnosis was established by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of a Mycobacterium-specific gene segment, and confirmed by culture. PCR allows the detection of mycobacterial DNA within a few days, whereas culture takes many weeks. PCR may improve the accurate diagnosis of skin tuberculosis and allow early treatment.
Nachbar
F
F
Department of Dermatology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.
Classen
V
V
Nachbar
T
T
Meurer
M
M
Schirren
C G
CG
Degitz
K
K
D001483:Base Sequence; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D014382:Tuberculosis, Cutaneous / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014393:Tuberculosis, Oral / Q000175:diagnosis*
D004269:DNA, Bacterial