Prevalence of female genital tuberculosis in women attending gynecological OPD in a tertiary care center, Himachal Pradesh, India.

BACKGROUND

Female genital tuberculosis is an extrapulmonary type of tuberculosis and is often underdiagnosed due to vague presentation and underreporting. This study was done to estimate the prevalence of the disease in our region.

METHODS

This is a prospective cohort study. Women presenting with a gynecological out-patient department with complaints of menstrual irregularities, infertility workup, persistent vaginal discharge, and chronic lower abdominal pain were included in the study.

RESULTS

A total of 348 women were enrolled. Menstrual irregularity (67 %) was the most common presenting symptom followed by infertility (15.5 %), persistent vaginal discharge (11.2 %), lower abdominal pain (6.3 %), and adnexal mass (0.3 %). A previous history of pulmonary tuberculosis was present in 0.3 % of women, and a history of contact was present in 0.3 %. The prevalence of tuberculosis was 1.4 % in our study (0.9 % infertility, 0.3 % with abnormal uterine bleeding, and 0.3 % persistent vaginal discharge). CBNAAT was positive in 1.4 % and both CBNAAT and histopathology were positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 0.3 % cases.

CONCLUSION

Female genital tuberculosis is not uncommon, yet its vague presentation makes it difficult to diagnose. A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose these cases to avoid the morbidity and mortality associated with the condition.