Direct antibody test negative autoimmune hemolytic anemia with pulmonary tuberculosis: A diagnostic challenge

We report a case of a 14-year-old boy who presented with hemolytic anemia and pneumonia. The Coombs test was repeatedly negative. After ruling out the possible infectious and noninfectious causes by extensive investigations, he was diagnosed as DAT-negative AIHA by monospecific antibody test with 4°C low ionic strength saline washes and column agglutination method which revealed the presence of IgG-2+ antibodies. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for acid-fast bacilli and gene Xpert was also positive. It is important to recognize TB as a cause of AIHA in South Asian countries where its incidence is high.
Source: Asian Journal of Transfusion Science - Category: Hematology Authors: Source Type: research