Delayed diagnosis of severe tuberculous spondylodiscitis in an asylum seeker: patient or doctors delay?

The still increasing global migration affects the epidemiology of tuberculosis (TB) in European countries. We present the case of an asylum seeker from a TB high-endemic country, who presented with severe TB spondylodiscitis and need for emergency surgery. The patient had a history of recurrent sterile axillary and perianal abscesses for years, but TB was never properly ruled out. The patient underwent surgery, responded well to antibiotics and regained the ability to walk. After 6 month of treatment the patient was lost to follow-up. In light of the increasing migration from TB high-endemic countries to low-endemic countries, this case illustrates the paramount importance of minding TB as a differential diagnosis.