Recurrent cutaneous tuberculosis in an immunocompetent 7-year-old male

Abstract

Cutaneous tuberculosis (TB) makes up a small proportion of the 10.4 million cases around the world. Although it is more commonly found in the developing world, cutaneous TB is rarely reported in the developed countries. It is fairly challenging to diagnose without histological examination. In this report, we present an immunocompetent 7-year-old male with a complex medical history diagnosed with cutaneous Mycobacterium tuberculosis after multiple ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) revisions. This case of cutaneous TB in an immunocompetent patient is remarkable in its uncharacteristic presentation with no obvious source of TB infected contacts or travel history.