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A Case of Tuberculous Meningitis With Concomitant Spinal Co-infection With Tuberculosis and Aspergillosis

Sternberg CA, Martinez A, Olayiwola A, Almonte MM, Vu CA, Quiroz T, Montreuil N, Ayoade F

Journal of investigative medicine high impact case reports, 2025

2 citations

Abstract

Co-infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Aspergillus in an immunocompetent host is rare but can occur. In this case, we present a patient with central nervous system tuberculosis (TB) and biopsy-proven spinal co-infections with TB and Aspergillosis. We highlight the complexities of treating a TB-Aspergillosis co-infection given drug-drug interactions between standard therapy for both conditions. Using susceptibilities for the Aspergillus and carefully monitoring drug levels of the antifungal agents, we were able to optimally treat the co-infection. This patient was ultimately discharged on isoniazid 1200 mg (15 mg/kg) daily, levofloxacin 750 mg daily, rifabutin 450 mg daily, and posaconazole 300 mg twice daily with a tentative plan to treat for at least 1 year with close outpatient follow-up. This case can serve as a guide for other providers who need to treat cases of TB and Aspergillosis co-infection by learning from our experience and paying attention to potential pitfalls.

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