# Tuberculosis‐Associated Paradoxical Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome in an HIV‐Negative Patient Presenting With a Recurrent Pleural Effusion Managed With Prednisolone: A Case Report

**Authors:** Selam Bogale Gissa, Alemayehu Girma Gemechu, Selamawit Tilahun

PMC · DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.71843 · 2026-01-11

## TL;DR

An HIV-negative person with tuberculosis experienced a severe lung condition that improved after steroid treatment.

## Contribution

This case report highlights successful steroid treatment for paradoxical immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in an HIV-negative TB patient.

## Key findings

- A non-HIV-infected TB patient developed massive pleural effusion.
- Steroid treatment improved symptoms, quality of life, and imaging results.
- Paradoxical immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome can occur in non-HIV patients.

## Abstract

Non‐HIV‐infected people with pulmonary tuberculosis can develop paradoxical worsening of lung conditions, including massive pleural effusion, which at times requires multiple drainage. This paradoxical immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome can successfully be treated with a short course of steroids, resulting in symptom, quality of life, and imaging improvements.

Chest CT scan 1 month after starting TB treatment demonstarting left side massive pleural effusion.

## Linked entities

- **Chemicals:** prednisolone (PubChem CID 5755)
- **Diseases:** tuberculosis (MONDO:0018076)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** Pleural Effusion (MESH:D010996), Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (MESH:D054019), pulmonary tuberculosis (MESH:D014397), Tuberculosis (MESH:D014376), HIV-infected (MESH:D015658)
- **Chemicals:** steroids (MESH:D013256), Prednisolone (MESH:D011239)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606], Human immunodeficiency virus 1 (no rank) [taxon 11676]

## Figures

5 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12793031/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12793031