The Mantoux test in the diagnosis of genital tuberculosis in women.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the usefulness of the Mantoux test in the diagnosis of genital tuberculosis in women of childbearing age.

METHOD: In this report, the investigators studied the ability of a tuberculosis (TB) Mantoux test to diagnose pelvic tuberculosis. A positive TB Mantoux test was clearly defined. The positive control group was of 100 women treated for TB (study group C). The negative control group was of 100 postpartum women (study group B). The study group was 100 infertile women undergoing laparoscopy, in some of whom the diagnosis of TB was made (study group A).

RESULT: The Mantoux test had a sensitivity of only 55% and a specificity of 80% in women with laparoscopically diagnosed tuberculosis. Pelvic focal reaction was absent in all groups including infertile women with a positive Mantoux test.

CONCLUSION

Mantoux test has limited utility in diagnosing active genital tuberculosis during the childbearing age. However, in infertile women with positive a Mantoux test, laparoscopy may be advocated early.