BACKGROUND/AIMS This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided bone biopsy for the diagnosis of spinal infection and compared the clinical outcomes between tuberculous and pyogenic spinal infections. METHODS The retrospective cohort study included patients who received CT-guided bone biopsy at a tertiary hospital over the 13 years. RESULTS Among 100 patients, 6...

The clinical features, investigations, treatment and outcome were studied in 104 patients with definite or probable tuberculous meningitis. The diagnosis of definite tuberculous meningitis required the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from cultures, or a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for M. tuberculosis. In probable tuberculous meningitis, cultures and the PCR assay were ne...

We report a 38-year-old Chinese woman with lupus nephritis on peritoneal dialysis and long-term maintenance steroid therapy. This patient developed paradoxical deterioration during anti-tubercular therapy for tuberculous lymphadenitis. The deterioration resolved spontaneously without change to pharmacotherapy. Paradoxical deterioration that may spontaneously resolve is a potential complication ...

OBJECTIVE The diagnosis and treatment of sternal wound infections with mycobacteria are challenging. Such an infection is often associated with a delayed diagnosis and improper treatment that may lead to a worsened clinical outcome. The present study is designed to highlight its clinical features so as to facilitate a prompt diagnosis and timely treatment. METHODS MEDLINE, Highwire Press, and...

New treatments and novel drugs are required to counter the growing problem of drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb). Our approach against drug resistant M.tb, as well as other intracellular pathogens, is by targeted drug delivery using nanoformulations of drugs already in use, as well as drugs in development. Among the latter are gallium (III) (Ga)-based compounds. In the ...

Tuberculous glycolipid (TBGL) antigen is a cell wall component of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and has been used for the serodiagnosis of tuberculosis. We investigated correlations between the levels of anti-TBGL antibodies and a variety of laboratory markers that are potentially influenced by tuberculous infection. Comparisons between patients with cavitary lesions and those without cavitary les...

Small bowel perforation occurs in up to 2 percent of patients with abdominal tuberculous. Patients present with an acute abdomen. Resection of the diseased segment and 18 months treatment with anti-tuberculosis drugs is recommended.

Association of immune thrombocytopenic purpura and tuberculosis is a rare condition. In 5 patients presenting with this association, anti-tuberculous therapy was effective on both tuberculosis and thrombocytopenia suggesting a causal relationship between tuberculosis and immune thrombocytopenic purpura