Diagnosis and treatment for tuberculosis infection in liver transplant recipients: case reports

AIM: Tuberculosis (TB) infection after liver transplantation was described, diagnosed and treated herein. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical presentation, methods of diagnosis, and treatment of 2 cases of TB infection posttransplantation. RESULTS: Mycobacterium TB infection occurred in 2 of 110 (1.8%) patients undergoing liver transplantation between 2001 and 2006. Pyrexia, poor appetite, and weight loss were common presentations. The diagnosis was confirmed using lymph node biopsy and treated with standard antituberculous agents. One patient was suspected of having TB infection by clinical presentation, and tentative anti-TB drugs were used. The duration of treatment was 9 months. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis and treatment are important in these patients. Careful monitoring of liver function and immunosuppressant levels are essential for patients who receive standard anti-TB drugs.