Coexistence of leprosy and pulmonary tuberculosis: An uncommon entity

Abstract

The association of two of the oldest diseases of mankind, leprosy and tuberculosis (TB) has been uncommonly reported in the literature. Herein, we report a known case of leprosy subsequently associated with sputum positive TB complicated by a type-II lepra reaction. There is a need for screening of patients for TB in patients diagnosed with leprosy to prevent the accidental misuse of an important drug, rifampicin to prevent the possibility of drug-resistant TB.

Keywords

• Coexistence
• leprosy
• tuberculosis