Co-infection by <it>Streptococcus anginosus </it>and <it>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</it>: three case reports

• Main Authors: Rabuñal Ramón, Corredoira Juan, Monte Rafael, Coira Amparo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2009-01-01
• Series: Journal of Medical Case Reports
• Online Access: http://www.jmedicalcasereports.com/content/3/1/37

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Bacterial infections may appear as sequelae of remote tuberculous infections, especially thoracic infections. The simultaneous appearance of tuberculosis and bacterial infection is not common, and, to our knowledge, the association of infection by <it>Streptococcus anginosus </it>and <it>Mycobacterium tuberculosis </it>has not been reported previously in the literature.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We report three cases of dual infection with <it>Streptococcus anginosus </it>and <it>Mycobacterium tuberculosis </it>that were first diagnosed as pyogenic abscesses because of an isolation of <it>Streptococcus anginosus</it>. Despite a course of antibiotics and drainage, the outcome of this initial treatment was unfavourable. A re-evaluation yielded a diagnosis of mixed infection with <it>Streptococcus anginosus </it>and <it>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</it>.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In a geographical area with a high prevalence of tuberculous disease, the rare possibility of dual infection with <it>Streptococcus anginosus </it>and <it>Mycobacterium tuberculosis </it>should be considered.</p>