A Study of Female Genital Tuberculosis in Sub-urban Population of Hapur, Uttar Pradesh

The study was conducted to analyse the clinical characteristics of patients with genital tuberculosis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a silent invader of genital tract, and poses dilema in making diagnosis, It is an important cause of morbidity among Indian women.

140 women suspected of having genital tuberculosis from Jan. 2008 to June 2011 were subjected to a battery of nonspecific and specific tests. An aglorithm was designed to confirm the diagnosis prior to treatment. Specific investigations included Elisa test, endometrial biopsy/histopathological examination, PCR, laparoscopy and ultrasound.

Majority of women belonged to 21–30 years of age. Patients presented with menstrual dysfunction(74.38%), chronic pelvic pain &recurrent PID (71.42%), dyspareunia (40%) and infertility (30.71%). Past and family history of TB was given by 45% and 17% cases respectively. Raised ESR (138)& positive mantoax test (140) was noted. Specific investigation such as Elisa (128), Endometrial biopsy(29), PCR (59) and laproscopy (87) were positive. Laproscopy in conjunction with montaoux test and Elisa test is an important diagnostic tool in risk population for therapeutic treatment. PCR has definite diagnostic value.

Frequency of genital TB among sub-urban population is still high in spite of various TB programmes. It is a major public health hazard need further research for cheaper test for developing countries.