Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis - A retrospective study

Background: Tuberculosis can occur in various organ systems of human body. In the recent years, there has been an increase in the occurrence of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) worldwide. As very little data is available regarding the situation of EPTB in Eastern Nepal, this study was conducted to assess its frequency in various organ systems of the body and to evaluate the role of demographic factors like sex and age in its causation. Aim : To see the prevalence of EPTB among the patient attending a tertiary care hospital, BPKIHS. Methods: Extrapulmonary specimens received for Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) microscopy in the TB Laboratory, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan from 1 st July 2010–30 th June 2011 were included in the study. Age, sex and origin of specimens were retrieved and analyzed. Results: High male prevalence was noted with Male: Female ratio of 1.6:1. Maximum specimens were received from age group 0-15 years followed by 16-30years. Body fluids were the most common specimen submitted for EPTB examination. Out of 1823 suspected cases of EPTB, 11 cases were found to be positive by microscopic method, out of the positives cases eight were male and remaining were female. Conclusion: EPTB is high amongst male in their productive age. Tubercular lymphadenitis is the most common form of EPTB. Introduction of newer and rapid method for the diagnosis of EPTB is utmost necessary for country like ours where diagnosis of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis is still a challenge.