Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) - a potential threat in Ireland.
We describe a case of a 25 year old female from Lithuania who presented with a productive cough. Chest radiograph demonstrated an infiltrate in the left upper lobe and a cavitating lesion in the right middle lobe. Sensitivity testing of her sputum led to a diagnosis of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB). This is the first case in Ireland and highlights the need for physicians to be aware of the possibility of XDR-TB. Moreover it underlines the need for improvement in service provision in terms of a TB reference laboratory and TB clinics.
Mc Laughlin
Anne Marie
AM
Department of Respiratory Medicine, CREST Directorate, St James' Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland. annemmclaughlin@gmail.com
O'Donnell
Rory A
RA
Gibbons
Noel
N
Scully
Mary
M
O'Flangan
Darina
D
Keane
Joseph
J