Changes in skin bacterial flora during the healing process of ulcer caused by self-destruction of lymph nodes due to tuberculous lymphadenitis

Abstract

An 86-year-old woman with residual left hemiplegia from a prior stroke, residing in a nursing facility, presented with swelling of the right side of her neck. Tuberculous lymphadenitis was diagnosed through polymerase chain reaction analysis and sputum culture, leading to treatment with isoniazid, rifampicin, and ethambutol. After 2 months, an abscess and ulcer formed; analysis of the bacterial flora of the ulcer revealed a Pseudomonas infection. Treatment with a topical iodine-containing ointment eradicated the Pseudomonas and led to increased diversity with the emergence of species from the Eukaryota and Archaea kingdoms. Subsequently, a loss of diversity occurred, ultimately resulting in a dominance of Escherichia-Shigella. We suggest that the bacterial flora of early ulcers may be dominated by multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas. Escherichia-Shigella may emerge during the ulcer healing process. We, therefore, strongly encourage recognition of the fact that individuals with tuberculosis are immunocompromised and emphasize the critical importance of early intervention in such infections.