Urogenital tuberculosis

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Urogenital Tuberculosis[edit | edit source]

Urogenital tuberculosis is a form of tuberculosis that affects the urinary system and the genital organs. It is a type of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, which means it occurs outside the lungs. This condition is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the same organism responsible for pulmonary tuberculosis.

Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]

Urogenital tuberculosis typically begins as a hematogenous spread from a primary infection site, often the lungs. The bacteria can lodge in the kidneys, which are the most common site of infection in the urogenital tract. From the kidneys, the infection can spread to the ureters, bladder, and urethra. In men, it can also affect the prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and epididymis. In women, the fallopian tubes and endometrium may be involved.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of urogenital tuberculosis can vary depending on the organs involved. Common symptoms include:

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of urogenital tuberculosis can be challenging due to its nonspecific symptoms. It often requires a combination of:

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The treatment of urogenital tuberculosis involves a prolonged course of antitubercular therapy (ATT), which typically includes a combination of drugs such as isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. The duration of treatment is usually 6 to 9 months, but it may be extended in complicated cases.

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

With appropriate treatment, the prognosis for urogenital tuberculosis is generally good. However, delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to complications such as renal failure, ureteral strictures, and infertility.

Related pages[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  • World Health Organization. (2021). "Tuberculosis Fact Sheet." Retrieved from [1]
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