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Cutaneous Tuberculosis — SCE Dermatology MCQ

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HardCutaneous InfectionCutaneous TuberculosisSCE Dermatology

An immunosuppressed man has a slowly enlarging ulcerated plaque. Histology shows caseating granulomas, but routine bacterial stains and an interferon-gamma release assay do not establish the cause. Which tissue investigation has the highest diagnostic value now?

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Correct answer: D — Mycobacterial culture with molecular testing

Suspected cutaneous tuberculosis requires adequate deep tissue for mycobacterial culture and molecular identification, with parallel assessment for systemic tuberculosis. An interferon-gamma release assay supports infection but neither localises disease nor distinguishes latent from active infection.

Reference: https://academic.oup.com/bjd/pages/bad-guidelines