Pulmonary tuberculosis in dermatological patients on high-dose, long-term steroid therapy

ABSTRACT

Tuberculosis is a chronic and serious infection if left untreated. Currently one third of the world population is infected with this bacillus. The immunosuppression due to glucocorticoids in patients with skin diseases may cause acquisition of primary tuberculosis and the reactivation of nonactive tuberculosis. This review focuses on risk involved, diagnosis and treatment in such patients