Abstract
BackgroundThe leprosy-tuberculosis (TB) co-infection is rarely reported in recent times. However, this dual comorbidity is associated with high mortality and major morbidity. Unrecognised leprosy-TB co-infection may predispose affected patients to rifampicin monotherapy and subsequent drug resistance.Case presentationA 35 year old migrant, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive male worker presented with 6 month history of symmetric infiltrative nodular plaques of the face and distal, upper extremities. A few days after initial dermatology presentation, a sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis was made at his base hospital. Subsequent dermatology investigations revealed histology confirmed lepromatous leprosy and a weakly reactive rapid plasma reagin test. The presenting clinical features and laboratory results were suggestive of lepromatous leprosy coexisting with pulmonary tuberculosis in an HIV positive patient.ConclusionsThis case illustrates the occurrence of leprosy with pulmonary tuberculosis in an HIV infected patient and the difficulties in interpreting non-treponemal syphilis tests in these patients. This case also highlights the need for a high index of suspicion for co-infection and the need to exclude PTB prior to initiation of rifampicin containing multi-drug therapy (MDT). Interdisciplinary management and social support are crucial in these patients.
Highlights
The leprosy-tuberculosis (TB) co-infection is rarely reported in recent times
This case illustrates the occurrence of leprosy with pulmonary tuberculosis in an human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patient and the difficulties in interpreting non-treponemal syphilis tests in these patients
This case highlights the need for a high index of suspicion for co-infection and the need to exclude pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) prior to initiation of rifampicin containing multi-drug therapy (MDT)
Summary
This case illustrates the occurrence of leprosy with pulmonary tuberculosis in an HIV infected patient and the difficulties in interpreting non-treponemal syphilis tests in these patients. Interdisciplinary management and social support are crucial in these patients
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have