Clinico-Epidemiological and Diagnostic Profile of Extra Pulmonary Tuberculosis Among Population in North Andhra, South India

Abstract

Background & Objectives : Extra pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) constitutes 15 to 20% of total cases of tuberculosis in India. It is high in incidence among HIV and Pediatric group and involves almost all systems of the body. Cbnaat (Catridge-based nucleic acid amplification test) is of definitive value in its diagnosis. The present study aims at knowing the prevalence of EPTB among the population of Visakhapatnam of North Andhra. Material & methods: 12,372 cases of EPTB out of total cases (old & new) of 67,017 are studied from the data at District Tuberculous Center, Visakhapatnam for the period 2007 to Aug 2018. Results & Discussion: FNAC samples of lymph nodes and others reported highest (177) among EPTB followed by pleural effusion (28) and pus & abscess (30) showing similar and bronchial wash (26). In the present study EPTB showed overall prevalence of 18.80 similar to Indian average of 15 to 20%. PTB : EPTB is 4 : 1 in males and 2 : 1 in females showing more in incidence in the latter. Hence the target group for EPTB is more of female population as they are vulnerable due to anaemia, malnutrition and low immunity. Conclusion: Though the emphasis is more on PTB case finding, EPTB is also significant and has to be paid attention in the control of tuberculosis.