obsolete cutaneous tuberculosis

Obsolete Cutaneous Tuberculosis: A Rare but Recognizable Condition

Cutaneous tuberculosis, also known as skin TB, is a rare infection caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. While it's not commonly seen today, there are some historical records and case studies that provide insight into its signs and symptoms.

• Rare manifestations: Obsolete cutaneous tuberculosis was characterized by rare manifestations such as papulonecrotic tuberculids [3], which presented as painful ulcerative lesions on the skin [10].
• Dermatologic manifestations: In some cases, dermatologic manifestations of disseminated miliary tuberculosis included papules and pustules that were diffusely distributed throughout the body [11].
• Ulcerative cutaneous TB: A rare manifestation of cutaneous TB was ulcerative cutaneous TB, also known as TB cutis orificialis, which presented as painful ulcerative lesions [10].

It's essential to note that these manifestations are not commonly seen today due to advancements in medical treatment and public health measures. However, they provide a glimpse into the historical context of cutaneous tuberculosis.

References: [3] - Cutaneous Tuberculosis (Trusted Source) [10] - Ulcerative cutaneous TB, also known as TB cutis orificialis [11] - Dermatologic manifestations of disseminated miliary tuberculosis

Obsolete Diagnostic Tests for Cutaneous Tuberculosis

While modern diagnostic tests have become more prevalent, there are still some older methods that were once used to diagnose cutaneous tuberculosis (CTB). These tests may not be as accurate or reliable as newer methods but can still provide valuable information in certain situations.

• Tuberculin Skin Test (TST): Also known as the Mantoux test, this is an intracutaneous tuberculin test that was widely used to diagnose TB, including CTB. However, it has been largely replaced by more accurate and specific tests like IGRAs and PCR [4][9].
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis direct test or bacilloscopy: This involves detecting the microorganism in smears of biological material stained with special techniques, such as the Ziehl-Neelsen technique. However, this method has low positivity for BK (<10%) and is not commonly used today [11].
• Histology: While histological examination can provide valuable information about the presence of TB, it may not be specific enough to diagnose CTB on its own. A combination with other tests like PCR or culture is often required [13].

It's essential to note that these older diagnostic tests are no longer considered the gold standard for diagnosing cutaneous tuberculosis and should only be used in conjunction with more modern methods.

References:

[4] by G Gualano · 2019 · Cited by 59 — Whilst the tuberculin skin test (TST) (better known as the Mantoux Test to older-generation physicians) is over a century old, it continues to be used in high ...

[9] by AF JERANT · 2000 · Cited by 60 — Screening should be performed using the Mantoux test (intracutaneous tuberculin test). A tuberculin syringe with a 26- or 27-gauge needle should ...

[11] Diagnosis of cutaneous tuberculosis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis direct test or bacilloscopy aims to detect the microorganism in smears of biological material stained by special techniques, with the Ziehl-Neelsen technique being the most often employed in laboratories.

[13] The diagnosis of CTB is complex and requires a high index of suspicion. Several concurrent laboratory investigations are often required. These include isolation in culture, histology, demonstration of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) on stains, positive tuberculin skin test (TST), evidence of systemic TB, and response to treatment.