Cutaneous Tuberculosis among Patients Presenting to Dermatology Outpatient Department of a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Cutaneous tuberculosis is an uncommon form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. It can present in various morphological presentations leading to a late diagnosis in many cases. It is mainly associated with significant scarring and morbidity. It is classified as paucibacillary or multibacillary depending on the bacillary load. Similarly, it can be acquired through either an endogenous or an exogenous source. The mainstay of treatment is anti-tubercular medications. The objective of the study was to find out the prevalence of cutaneous tuberculosis among patients presenting to the dermatology outpatient department of a tertiary care centre.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done among the patient presenting to the outpatient department of dermatology and venerology in a tertiary care centre where all patients data from medical records were taken from April 2016 to March 2021 after taking ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 503/2078/79). Demographic details of the patients including age, sex, site and duration of the lesion were recorded. Convenience sampling was done. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated.

Results: Among 1,30,924 cases, 40 (0.03%) (0.02-0.04, at 95% Confidence Interval) cutaneous tuberculosis was seen.

Conclusions: The prevalence of cutaneous tuberculosis was similar to the studies done in similar settings.