Pattern of Cross-Reactivity Between Mycobacterial Immunohistochemical Stain and Normal Human Eosinophils: A Potential Pitfall in the Diagnosis of Cutaneous Mycobacterial Infections. (May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baker, Catherine; Sriharan, Aravindhan
• Is Part Of: American journal of dermatopathology. Volume 42:Number 5(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-05
• Subjects: cutaneous mycobacterial infection -- immunohistochemistry -- false-positive reactivity -- eosinophil cross-reactivity -- mycobacterial polyclonal antibody; Skin -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Histology, Pathological -- Periodicals; 616.50705
• DOI: 10.1097/DAD.0000000000001533
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0193-1091

Abstract

Abstract : Abstract: Cutaneous tuberculosis (CTB) is a challenging diagnosis that often requires tissue biopsy and the use of immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, among other special stains. The mycobacterium tuberculosis IHC stain is believed to be specific for mycobacteria and closely related organisms, without documented reactivity to normal human tissue. In this study, we document 4 cases of previously unreported cross-reactivity between the mycobacterium tuberculosis IHC polyclonal antibody and normal eosinophil granules in patients without other evidence of CTB infection. Such cross-reactivity represents a potential pitfall for the use of IHC in the diagnosis of CTB.