Impact of delayed diagnosis and treatment on tuberculosis infection within families: A case report

Abstract

Background: A 32-year-old male patient was diagnosed with a 30% left pneumothorax on November 5, 2020, during which chest imaging indicated abnormalities. Despite this, pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) was not diagnosed or treated at that time due to a negative result in the MGIT960 culture. The patient experienced symptoms of cough and expectoration on April 24, 2022. Upon repeating the chest imaging, the condition had worsened, confirming the presence of pulmonary TB, leading to the patient’s hospitalization. On September 1, 2022, the 11-year-old daughter of the patient was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis accompanied by bronchial tuberculosis and tuberculous pleurisy. Methods: The diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis was confirmed through sputum smears and Gene Xpert MTB/RIF testing, for the patient and his 11-year-old daughter in 2022. The patient underwent a 6-month combination therapy (2HRZE/4HR) comprising isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. His daughter with pulmonary tuberculosis accompanied by bronchial tuberculosis and tuberculous pleurisy underwent a 12-month combination therapy. Results: Late diagnosis and treatment delays contribute to tuberculosis infections within families. Fortunately, after more than 3 months of antituberculosis treatment, the patient experienced relief from cough and sputum secretion, and there was improvement observed in the chest CT scan. Six months later, the patient was successfully cured of TB. 12 months later, his daughter also was successfully cured of TB. Conclusion subsections: Early diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) is vital to reduce transmission, morbidity, and mortality.