Urogenital tuberculosis

Urogenital tuberculosis is a form of tuberculosis that affects the urogenital system.

Epidemiology

It usually strikes young adults with tuberculosis in other places of the body as well. It is common in Asia, but less common in sub-Saharan Africa.^[1]

Symptoms

• Persistent cystitis, unresponsive to antibiotics.^[1]
• Urinary frequency ^[1]
• Dysuria^[1]
• Loin discomfort^[1]
• Malaise and general symptoms of tuberculosis ^[1]

However, the infection arises insidiously, going long time without symptoms.^[1]

Other signs

• Pus cells and red cells in the urine, but no bacterial growth on routine bacterial culture ^[1]
• Painless intermittent microscopic haematuria^[1]
• A painless, non-tender, irregular, and sometimes fluctuating mass on one side of the scrotum.^[1]

Pathogenesis

The infection may affect the kidneys, ureter and bladder and may cause significant damage to each.

Complications

Urogenital tuberculosis may cause strictures of the ureter, which, however, may heal when infection is treated.

References