ISSN 2326-7283
African Journal of Internal Medicine ISSN 2326-7283 Vol. 7 (5), pp. 001-003, May, 2019. © International Scholars Journals
Case study
Lung abscess due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis in an infant
Anjali Aggarwal1, Varun Aggarwal2*, Sandeep Kumar1 and Virendra Kumar1
1Department of Pediatrics, Kalawati Saran Children’s Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India.
2Department of Medical Education, Miami Children’s Hospital, Miami, FL 33155, USA.
Accepted 24 February, 2019
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a common cause of pulmonary morbidity and mortality in children. We report a seven month old unimmunized child admitted with complaints of cough and fever for fifteen days. Investigations revealed a large cavity in the right lung. Chest computed tomography scan revealed an abscess in the right upper lobe along with multiple necrotic lymph nodes. Gastric aspirates were positive for acid fast bacilli. However, children younger than five years old may develop disseminated TB before the Tubercular Skin Tests result becomes positive. As such, a very high index of suspicion must be adopted when pediatric patients have a contact history.
Key words: Lung Abscess, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Infant.