Scrofulotuberculosis

Scrofulotuberculosis: understanding, symptoms and treatment

Scrofulotuberculosis, also known as scrofuloderma or scrofula, is a serious infectious disease that combines two pathologies: scrofula and tuberculosis. This condition is characterized by the presence of tuberculosis infection in the lymph nodes, especially in the cervical area. Scrofulotuberculosis usually occurs in children and adolescents, although in rare cases it can occur in adults.

Symptoms of scrofulotuberculosis include swollen lymph nodes, usually in the neck, armpits and groin areas. They may be painless or cause discomfort when touched. The nodules usually have a hard consistency and may be light or inflamed. The skin over the enlarged nodules may become red and tender.

In addition to enlarged lymph nodes, patients with scrofulotuberculosis may experience other symptoms such as general weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite and apparent weight loss. In some cases, the disease can progress, causing the immune system to weaken and the infection to spread to other organs.

The main cause of scrofulotuberculosis is the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which also causes common tuberculosis. The infection is transmitted through airborne droplets, especially through close contact with an infected person. Other factors, such as a weakened immune system, nutritional deficiencies and poor hygiene conditions, may increase the risk of developing this disease.

The diagnosis of scrofulotuberculosis is usually based on a clinical examination of the patient, as well as on the result of analysis of a lymph node biopsy. Additional tests, such as chest x-ray and computed tomography, may be used to assess the spread of infection.

Treatment of scrofulotuberculosis involves the use of antibiotics specific for tuberculosis for an extended period of time (usually several months). In some cases, surgery may be required to remove infected lymph nodes. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infection.

Prevention of scrofulotuberculosis includes TB vaccination, especially for children, and maintaining a strong immune system. It is also important to avoid close contact with infected people and maintain cleanliness and hygiene.

Overall, scrofulotuberculosis poses a serious health threat, especially in children and people with weakened immune systems. Early detection, diagnosis and proper treatment are key aspects of controlling this disease. Therefore, it is important to seek medical help if suspicious symptoms or enlarged lymph nodes appear.

We hope that future research and medical advances will help better understand the causes, diagnosis and treatment of scrofulotuberculosis, as well as reduce its spread and negative consequences for the health of patients.

Scrofulous or scrofulosis, scrofulosis is an infectious and inflammatory lesion of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and peripheral lymph nodes caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis of the human species _Mycobacterium bovis_ (other names - _M. caprae_).

A pathogen with normal virulence in humans exhibits high virulence in experiments on guinea pigs, where it easily penetrates and where it proceeds rapidly without tuberculous involution and rejection of membranes typical of microbes; often curdled gummas remain in the lungs of guinea pigs, followed by the development of an acute purulent lesion. In a sick person, neither parallels nor exacerbations of tuberculosis are usually observed. Here one can observe only that very meager involution, which in extrapulmonary infectious forms of tuberculosis lesions can be weakly expressed, and the tuberculin reaction is absent.

Scroful - “boil”, “furuncle” in the old days was called a carbuncle. This is how a huge boil, surrounded in diameter by an inch or more, was called in the Middle Ages; it went through the following stages: simple carbuncle (later simply boil), dry carbuncle, wet carbuncle; the last stage was a “purulent formation,” which meant a cyst, phlegmon, or purulent abscess. These neoplasms received their various names from the organs through which they passed. The carbuncle sometimes covered several centimeters; it was subject to autopsy; it was often performed by surgeons. After opening the carbuncle, fluid began to be released, as after opening an ulcer on the palm (flepto) or on the foot (chancre). Severe inflammation, the release of inflammatory fluid from the carbuncle, as well as inflammation of the surrounding tissues distinguish the described neoplasm from chiria, abscess and other skin lesions. Wounded soldiers of the French Revolution received the help of a surgeon only after the complete cessation of inflammation,