Coexistence of leprosy and pulmonary tuberculosis: An uncommon entity.

The association of two of the oldest diseases of mankind, leprosy and tuberculosis (TB) has been uncommonly reported in the literature. Herein, we report a known case of leprosy subsequently associated with sputum positive TB complicated by a type-II lepra reaction. There is a need for screening of patients for TB in patients diagnosed with leprosy to prevent the accidental misuse of an important drug, rifampicin to prevent the possibility of drug-resistant TB.

Tuberculosis (TB) and leprosy, both are caused by Mycobacterium spp., are two of the most psychosocially devastating diseases known to mankind. Despite decades of medical research and development, these diseases remain a menace to global health even in this modern era.

The uncommon association of both TB and leprosy is based on the transmission dynamics of both infections, higher reproductive rate of Tubercle bacilli when compared to Lepra bacilli and a degree of cross-immunity within an individual, which does not allow both infections to occur at the same point of time.