Work

An isolated Mycobacterium tuberculosis vulvar lesion: A case report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: • Uncommon presentation of tuberculosis as an isolated persistent vulvar ulcer • Diagnostic delay due to mimicry with sexually transmitted diseases • Successful treatment with standard anti-tuberculosis therapy • Importance of considering extrapulmonary TB in unusual genital lesions Vulvar tuberculosis is an exceptionally rare manifestation of extrapulmonary Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. We describe a 28-year-old woman from Republic of the Philippines presenting with a painful vulvar lesion of 3 months' duration unresponsive to several courses of antibiotics for a presumed sexually transmitted disease. A diagnosis of isolated vulvar Mycobacterial tuberculosis was made based on findings of caseating granulomas on vulvar biopsy and positive mycobacterial culture. The patient achieved complete resolution following standard antituberculous therapy. This case highlights the importance of suspecting tuberculosis in chronic vulvar lesions from endemic areas and underscores tissue biopsy and prolonged culture when initial stains are negative.

Source: Infectious Medicine

DOI: 10.1016/j.imj.2025.100217

Authors: Caren Challita, Nour El Moussawi, Maya Dagher, Nelly Rubeiz, Souha S. Kanj

Institution: American University of Beirut

Language: English

Topic: Diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,500