Extra pulmonary tuberculosis in sputum negative cases

Abstract

In India, Extra Pulmonary Tuberculosis ( EPTB) forms 10 to 15 percent of all types of TB . Diagnosis is based on one culture-positive specimen from the extrapulmonary site or histological evidence or strong clinical evidence consistent with active EPTB disease. The infection may be far advanced before any observable symptom occurs. Thus up to the present time EPTB continuous to present as a clinical problem. To study epidemiological aspects of EPTB and its frequency and various presentations among the suspected sputum negative cases attending MNR Medical College & Hospital, Sangareddy (AP). A total of 515 sputum negative clinically suspected EPTB Patients attending chest & TB dept for a period of 2 years were included in the study. Out of which 82 EPTB cases were confirmed by using site specific diagnostic criteria’s. Out of 515 sputum negative AFB cases suspected samples processed, 82 (15.91%) cases were positive for different types of EPTB. In age groups, the highest number 28% of cases were among young age group (15- 24), whereas the lowest number 7.3% of EPTB cases was among age group (45-550) and female predominance of 53.66%. Out of 82 cases of EPTB the most common type was TB Lymphadenitis 39 (47.56%) followed by Bone and joint TB 14 (17.07%),TB Pleural effusion 11 (13.41%), Abdominal TB 10 (12.04%), Genital TB (4.87%), TB Meningitis 3 (03.6%) and Cutaneous TB 1 (01.22%) In these 2 cases of TB Lymphadenitis was HIV positive. The importance of Extra-pulmonary Tuberculosis (EPTB) among all forms of Tuberculosis has not yet been ascertained in developing countries due to difficulty in diagnosis and lack of culture facilities.