Epidemiology of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is a multisystem disease with a myriad of presentations and manifestations. It can affect almost any organ or tissue, excluding only hair and nails. Although extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is less frequent than pulmonary TB, EPTB is the secondary target for national TB control programs. The epidemiology of EPTB varies and depends on the epidemic situation of tuberculosis (TB) in the region, the epidemic situation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, the level of poverty, the number of migrants, and even the classification of EPTB used in the region. Diagnosis of EPTB is difficult. The disease is often overlooked, so the real incidence and spectrum of EPTB are unknown. Nevertheless, the significance of EPTB has increased worldwide during the HIV epidemic. EPTB has not only medical but also great social importance as it is one of the most common reasons for both male and female infertility.