Urogential tuberculosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview[edit | edit source]

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

Epidemiology[edit | edit source]

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.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

• Persistent cystitis, unresponsive to antibiotics.
• Urinary frequency
• Dysuria
• Loin discomfort
• Malaise and general symptoms of tuberculosis
• Ulcer

However, the infection arises insidiously, being potentially asymptomatic for a long period of time.

Other signs[edit | edit source]

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

Pathogenesis[edit | edit source]

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

Complications[edit | edit source]

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

References[edit | edit source]