Rifampicin-Resistant Disseminated Tuberculosis in an Immunocompetent Adolescent Male Presenting with Retropharyngeal Abscess and Spinal Involvement

Abstract

Retropharyngeal abscess is a rare manifestation in spinal tuberculosis. Early clinical diagnosis followed by microbiological confirmation and effective treatment is crucial to avoid irreversible damage to the spine. Here, we report a case of disseminated tuberculosis in an immunocompetent adolescent male who presented with retropharyngeal abscess, multifocal involvement of the spine, and skin tuberculids. Xpert MTB/RIF assay in this patient facilitated early lifesaving treatment by detecting rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) in the clinical specimen.