Tuberculosis of Genitourinary System

What is it?

Tuberculosis of the genitourinary system, or urogenital TB, is an extrapulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis. It is caused by an infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. The renal and urologic tuberculosis involves the collecting system and less commonly the renal parenchyma. Genital tuberculosis involves epididymis, testis, urethra, and prostate in the male and Fallopian tube, endometrium, and ovaries in the female. Urogenital TB can present with a range of clinical manifestations, from asymptomatic, through subclinical, non-specific symptoms and signs, to obstructive uropathy and renal failureThis diagnosis is often missed or diagnosed late because of chronic and non- specific symptoms and lack of awareness among clinicians. Risk factors include malnutrition, HIV infection, smoking, homelssness, poor housing, pneumoconiosis, immunosuppressive drugs and kidney diseases. Complications of non- treated genitourinary TB may include ureteral strictures, contracted bladder, obstructive nephropathy, renal parenchymal destruction, irreversible organ damage and end-stage renal failure.