Scrofuloderma: The DNA Analysis of Mycobacteria by the Polymerase Chain Reaction

The detection of mycobacteria in the skin lesions of tuberculosis has remained troublesome. The Ziehl-Neelsen histopathologic stain is the most rapid method but is lacking in sensitivity. Ultimately, a definitive diagnosis depends on the presence of a positive culture result identifying this organism. This is a cumbersome and time-consuming process. We present a system for the detection of mycobacterial DNA using the polymerase chain reaction. Report of a Case. A 50-year-old woman presented with a 3-month history of subcutaneous nodules on the left antecubital fossa and left upper arm. She had a history of tuberculous arthritis of the left hand that occurred about 25 years earlier. Examinations showed multiple subcutaneous nodular lesions up to 1 cm in diameter on the left antecubital fossa and left upper arm without abnormality of the skin surface. Neither axillary nor cervical lymph nodes were palpable. She had no respiratory symptoms. Results of laboratory studies