A study to compare the diagnostic accuracy of GeneXpert MTB/RIF/assay and its comparison with liquid culture in clinically suspected cases of genital tuberculosis attending outpatient department of tertiary center

Background: Tuberculosis is a major health issue globally despite a declining trend in mortality with effective diagnosis and treatment, an estimated 10.4 million persons developing active TB each year with 1.33 million deaths. Objective of this study was to evaluate role of GeneXpert MTB/RIF/assay in diagnosis of female genital tuberculosis in suspected cases of tuberculosis.Methods: It was a cross sectional study done in department of obstetrics and gynecology in S. N. Medical college Agra for a period of 2 year (July 2017 to October 2019). 70 cases were selected from OPD of department of obstetrics and gynecology, S. N. Medical College Agra who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria after taking proper consent. In all selected cases endometrial biopsy sample was taken using endometrial biopsy curette in premenstrual period. All samples of endometrial biopsy were taken under all aseptic precaution from both corneal ends, anterior and posterior wall and lower part of uterus using endometrial biopsy curette and sample was collected in two separate sterile vials having normal saline and was sent for GeneXpert MTB/RIF/assay and liquid culture simultaneously.Results: Out of total 70 clinically suspected cases of female genital tuberculosis in between 20-45 years of age cough with expectoration 94% was the most common respiratory symptom followed by fever 81%, weight loss 56% and anorexia 54%. Prevalence of genital tuberculosis in active pulmonary tuberculosis patients was 30%. Irregular menstruation, vaginal discharge and pelvic pain were present in 69%, 60% and 52% patients respectively.Conclusions: The overall sensitivity of CBNAAT was 22% and specificity was 77%. The overall sensitivity of liquid culture was 28% and specificity was 71%.

Recurrent ectopic pregnancies with secondary infertility: a case report

Infertility is defined as 1 year of unprotected sexual intercourse without pregnancy. It is further classified as primary and secondary. Secondary infertility is one in which prior pregnancy not necessarily live birth has occurred. Pelvic infections as a cause for infertility are seen in 12% cases while genital tuberculosis contribute 10-15%. Various studies have well established a relationship between subclinical infection and infertility with the two most potential pathogens being: Chlamydia trachomatis and mycoplasma species. Authors are presenting two cases one of a 30yr female, P0+5, with class 2 obesity with previous three ectopic pregnancies with LSO done 1 year back i/v/o left ruptured ectopic now presenting with secondary infertility for 1 year and another case of a 21 years female, P0+2, with previous two ectopic with LSO done 2 years back now presenting with infertility. These cases emphasize that infections are important causes for recurrent ectopic pregnancies and infertility.

Tubercular pyometra in a young unmarried female - dilemma and pitfalls in diagnosis: a rare case report with review of literature

This rare case is the first case being reported as tubercular pyometra in a young unmarried woman. Diagnosis of genital tuberculosis which is a form of EPTB (extra pulmonary TB) can be baffling, compelling a high index of suspicion owing to paucibacillary load in the biological specimens. A negative smear for acid-fast bacilli, lack of granuloma on histopathology and failure to culture mycobacterium tuberculosis do not exclude the diagnosis of EPTB. A 25-year-old unmarried, government employee from Bihar presented to our OPD with secondary amenorrhea for two months carrying with her an USG, CT and MRI done in Bihar suggesting enlarged uterus with fluid collection. CT-also reported few enlarged lymph nodes. Her preoperative investigations revealed an elevated ESR and x-ray chest was normal. Dilatation was done under ultrasonic guidance in OT and 150 cc of thick caseous material was drained A gentle curettage was done on lateral wall near cornea and both the caseous material and endometrial tissue was sent for gram staining, TB-PCR (polymerase chain reaction), NAAT (nucleic acid amplification techniques) and culture. In the post-operative period gram staining for AFB, NAAT, TB-PCR all came negative and it was difficult to convince patient to take ATT. However, on day 10, HPE report came as granuloma suggestive of TB and patient was put on ATT. Culture too was reported negative later.  Paucibacillary female genital TB (FGTB) is difficult to diagnose because of varied presentation and limitations of diagnostic tests A raised ESR is presumptive but non-specific. Other tests are x-ray chest, HSG, endometrial tissue for TB PCR nucleic acid amplification techniques (NAAT, HPE and culture (conventional or Bactec). Patients with EPTB are, however, more likely to have negative sputum smear results and many EPTB cases do not have direct lung involvement.  Currently, there are no standard guidelines or algorithm for the diagnosis of FGTB. Female genital TB has varying presentation and diagnosis is difficult because of the paucibacillary nature.

A prospective study of outcome in infertility patients diagnosed with genital tuberculosis

Background: Tuberculosis is an increasing health problem worldwide with around 9.6 billion new cases reported every year. Female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) has a varying incidence ranging from a very low of 0.69% in developed nations to as high as 19% in developing nations like India. The average incidence of infertility due to tuberculosis is 5-10% worldwide.Methods: The study was a hospital based prospective clinical study, from September 2014-2017 with sample size of 355 infertility cases. Endometrial sampling and diagnostic hystero-laparoscopy were used for diagnosis. Endometrial sample subjected for both the test CBNAAT and HPR was used for confirmation of positive patients. Inclusion criteria were, infertile patients diagnosed with genital tuberculosis who were then given treatment. Patients diagnosed to have infertility due to causes other than TB were excluded from the study. Highly suspected cases and those who were willing underwent diagnostic laparoscopy.Results: Out of 355 cases of infertility, 83 were because of genital TB, received treatment out of which 32 conceived.  CBNAAT was very sensitive than histopathology or laparoscopy. The live birth rate and conception rate were 20.24% and 38.09 % respectively.Conclusions: CBNAAT is OPD based economical test (free by GOI), very sensitive and picked up more cases than histopathology or laparoscopy. The live birth rate and conception rate were found to be higher than other studies possible due to intervention at an earlier stage of the disease process. This test should be widely used by gynecologist for early detection of genital tuberculosis.

A clinical study of association of genital tuberculosis with infertility in a tertiary centre of Jharkhand, India

Background: The worldwide incidence of GTB is approximately 5- 10% in infertile women. It varies from as low as 0.69% in some developed countries to as high as 19% in India. It is diagnosed by culture of the tubercle bacillus from tissue sampled from the genital tract is the yardstick for diagnosis and remains the gold standard.Methods: A prospective study was carried out between January 2012 and January 2015 on 100 women presenting with infertility.Results: A total (27%) women were diagnosed as genital tuberculosis by combination of hystero laparoscopic findings, histopathological and endometrial DNA-PCR technique confirmation. Of these (40.62%) had secondary infertility and remaining (59.38%) had primary infertility. (15.62%) were previously diagnosed with pulmonary or extra pulmonary tuberculosis and had completed a full course of Anti-tubercular treatment as per WHO CAT 1 regime.Conclusions: Therefore, in countries where TB is endemic, early and aggressive strategies should be pursued to diagnose and treat TB.

Genital tuberculosis in infertile women: role of hysterolaparoscopy and tuberculosis polymerase chain reaction

Background: Genital tuberculosis is an important cause of female infertility in developing countries like India. It is one of the major causes for severe tubal disease leading to infertility.Methods: A prospective study was conducted in which 100 women presented to hospital with infertility were subjected to hystero-laparoscopy over 1 year. Endometrium sent for tuberculosis polymerase chain reaction (TB-PCR) and HPE and results were formulated.Results: Out of 100 women, 28% were diagnosed with Genital tuberculosis (GTB) using accepted clinical criteria, TB-PCR and endometrial HPE. 25 of these 28 were diagnosed by hysterolaparoscopy (89.24%) alone, 16 by positive endometrial TB-PCR (57.14%) and another 2 by HPE (7.14%).Conclusions: In country like ours where TB is endemic, a multi-pronged approach to diagnosis increases the chances of successfully diagnosing this destructive disease.

Prevalence of Genital Tuberculosis in Infertile Women; a Study from a Tertiary Care Center in North India

Introduction: Female genitourinary tuberculosis (FGTB) is an important cause of infertility in women of reproductive age group. The disease remains undetected due to its asymptomatic nature and lack of sensitive tests. This study was conducted with the aim of detecting the prevalence of genital tuberculosis in infertile women. Material and methods: Endometrial curetting of 193 infertile women suspected of genital tuberculosis were taken laparoscopically and sent for histopathological examination, ZN staining, culture on LJ media and GeneXpert testing. Results: Out of 193 women, 13 were positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis making the overall prevalence of FGTB in infertile women to the extent of 6.73%. Of these 11 presented with primary infertility while 2 patients presented with secondary infertility. The histopathological examination of all the samples was non-specific. No case of positive acid fast bacilli on ZN staining was observed. Comparison of culture and GeneXpert revealed that Xpert assay was more sensitive in detecting the positive cases. Conclusion: Our study concluded that FGTB is common in our population and women presenting with infertility should be evaluated for genital tuberculosis. A high degree of suspicion and combination of histopathological and microbiological tests are important methods for the detection of genital tuberculosis

Prevalence of female genital tract tuberculosis in suspected cases attending Gynecology OPD at tertiary centre by various diagnostic methods and comparative analysis

Background: The genital tract tuberculosis is one of the most common causes of tubal factor infertility. This study was conducted to compare the results of different diagnostic methods used in screening for female genital tuberculosis in suspected cases attending Gynecology OPD at RMC, Ajmer.Methods: This prospective study was conducted in department of obstetrics and gynecology, J. L. N. Medical College, Ajmer, Rajasthan, for studying incidence of genital tuberculosis by various diagnostic methods (viz. AFB smear examination, AFB Lowenstein Jensen culture method, TB-PCR and CBNAAT).Results: Prevalence of genital TB was 5.5% in study population of 200 selected women meting the inclusion criteria. 72% women were in between 20-30 years age group. Oligomenorrhoea (24%) was found to be significant symptom with P value of <0.05. TBPCR and CBNAAT were found to be statistically significant with P value of <0.001 for diagnosing FGTTB.Conclusions: We concluded that genital tuberculosis is paucibacillary disease, TBPCR and CBNAAT appears to be rapid and sensitive diagnostic modality.

Evaluation of genital tuberculosis as a cause of female infertility in a tertiary care hospital in North India

Background: Female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) poses a great diagnostic challenge in women of reproductive age. It causes significant morbidity or short and long term sequelae, especially infertility. The disease often remains silent or may present with non-specific symptomatology. As a result, the prevalence of genital tuberculosis is largely underestimated. A high degree of suspicion aided by intensive investigations is important in the diagnosis of the disease, especially in its early stage, so that treatment may improve the prospects of cure before the tubes are damaged beyond recovery. Objectives were to find out the prevalence of genital tuberculosis in females presenting with infertility in a tertiary care hospital over a given period of time, and diagnostic comparison of endometrial tuberculosis by histopathological examination (HPE) and GeneXpert.Methods: The prospective observational study was conducted over one year duration. A total of 96 endometrial samples were collected from the women, satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria.Results: On HPE, out of 96 patients, proliferative endometrium (anovulatory) was found in 38 cases (39.6%), non-specific endometritis in 2 cases (2.08%) and 2 cases (2.08%) were found positive for tubercular endometritis. GeneXpert scored negative in our study.Conclusions: Endometrial biopsy shows not only the tuberculous endometritis, but also gives additional information about local factors of endometrium concerning non-specific and specific infections and anovulatory cycles. GeneXpert if positive on endometrial biopsy is a reliable test for FGTB and treatment can be started on its basis

Effect of antitubercular treatment on the pregnancy outcomes and prognoses of patients with genital tuberculosis / 医学前沿

This retrospective study aims to demonstrate the effect of antitubercular treatment (ATT) on the pregnancy outcomes and prognoses of patients with genital tuberculosis (GTB) who had received laparoscopy and/or hysteroscopy. This study included 78 patients with infertility and who were diagnosed with GTB through laparoscopy and/or hysteroscopy over the period of November 2005 to October 2015. The recruited patients were divided into ATT and nonATT groups on the basis of ATT duration. The GTB recurrence rates, menstrual patterns, and pregnancy outcomes of the patients were determined at follow-up. Among the 78 patients, 46 received ATT and 32 did not receive ATT. The menstrual volumes of patients in the ATT group significantly decreased relative to those of patients in the nonATT group. GTB did not recur among all patients regardless of treatment. A total of 11 pregnancies (36.7%) in the ATT group and 19 pregnancies (63.3%) in the nonATT group were observed. Pregnancy rates significantly differed (P = 0.002) between the two groups. ATT may decrease the menstrual volume and pregnancy rates of patients who were diagnosed with GTB through laparoscopy and/or hysteroscopy. In addition, ATT did not improve the prognosis of patients with chronic GTB.

Female genital tuberculosis: Revisited

Female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (rarely Mycobacterium bovis and/or atypical mycobacteria) being usually secondary to TB of the lungs or other organs with infection reaching through haematogenous, lymphatic route or direct spread from abdominal TB. In FGTB, fallopian tubes are affected in 90 per cent women, whereas uterine endometrium is affected in 70 per cent and ovaries in about 25 per cent women. It causes menstrual dysfunction and infertility through the damage of genital organs. Some cases may be asymptomatic. Diagnosis is often made from proper history taking, meticulous clinical examination and judicious use of investigations, especially endometrial aspirate (or biopsy) and endoscopy. Treatment is through multi-drug antitubercular treatment for adequate time period (rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, ethambutol daily for 60 days followed by rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol daily for 120 days). Treatment is given for 18-24 months using the second-line drugs for drug-resistant (DR) cases. With the advent of increased access to rapid diagnostics and newer drugs, the management protocol is moving towards achieving universal drug sensitivity testing and treatment with injection-free regimens containing newer drugs, especially for new and previously treated DR cases.

Loop‑mediated isothermal amplification assay for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in infertile women.

Background: Female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) has a profound impact on the reproductive health of patients including infertility. Conventional diagnostic techniques have low sensitivity and specificity as well as long turnaround time. There is a need of developing newer, rapid and practically adaptable technique, especially in low‑income countries. Objective: To standardize and evaluate loop‑mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique for diagnosis of FGTB. Methods: A total of 300 endometrial biopsy samples from infertile females were subjected to Ziehl–Neelsen (ZN) staining, Lowenstein–Jensen culture, automated culture (BACTEC mycobacterial growth indicator tube), histopathological examination (HPE), nucleic acid amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and LAMP technique. Composite gold standard (either smear/culture/HPE/PCR positive) was considered for calculation of outcome parameters. Results: The observed sensitivities of ZN smear, culture, HPE, PCR and LAMP were 2.94%, 10.29%, 8.82%, 95.59% and 66.18%, respectively. Overall concordance between PCR and LAMP was 63%, which shows a good agreement. Conclusion: This study is the first to evaluate LAMP in the diagnosis of FGTB and found it to be a rapid and convenient technique, especially in low resource endemic settings.

Endometritis tuberculosa sin foco primario y dolor pélvico crónico / Tuberculous endometritis with no primary focus and chronic pelvic pain

Antecedentes: La tuberculosis genital y la endometritis tuberculosa es una forma de tuberculosis que continúa siendo frecuente en los países en desarrollo y habitualmente es secundaria a un foco primario pulmonar. Puede cursar de forma asintomática, o bien, producir síntomas como infertilidad primaria o secundaria, alteraciones menstruales o dolor pélvico crónico, entre otros. Caso clínico: Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 47 años en estudio por ginecología y urología por dolor pélvico crónico y sintomatología urinaria inespecífica de aproximadamente 6 meses de evolución. La ecografía transvaginal muestra contenido intracavitario escaso sugerente de piometra e imágenes trabeculares compatibles con sinequias uterinas. Mediante aspirado endometrial se extrae pus y muestra endometrial que se remite para estudio anatomopatológico. Tras el informe anatomopatológico que diagnostica inflamación crónica granulomatosa necrotizante, se solicita estudio por PCR y cultivo para micobacteriumm tuberculosis, siendo ambos positivos para el microorganismo. De este modo, se diagnosticó como endometritis tuberculosa sin existir afectación de otros órganos tras el estudio completo. Se realizó tratamiento con etambutol hidrocloruro, isoniacida, pirazinamida y rifampicina durante 2 meses y pirazinamida e isonicida durante 7 meses adicionales. Al final del tratamiento, la paciente mostraba clara mejoría de los síntomas y a la ecografía desaparición de la colección intracavitaria uterina.

Background: Genital tuberculosis and endometritis tuberculosa is a form of tuberculosis which remains prevalent in developing countries and is usually secondary to a pulmonary primary focus. It may be asymptomatic, or may produce symptoms such as primary or secondary infertility, menstrual disorders or chronic pelvic pain, among others. Clinical case: We present the case of a patient of 47-year who was studied by ginecology and urology for chronic pelvic pain and unspecific urinary symptoms since about 6 months. In transvaginal ultrasound pyometra and trabecular images compatible with uterine synechiae were observed. Endometrial samples were obtaining and sent for histopathologic examination which was informed of chronic necrotizing granulomatous inflammation. We asked for PCR and culture for tuberculosis micobacteriumm, both being positive for the microorganism. Thus, she was diagnosed of endometritis tuberculosa without involvement of other organs after complete study. She performed a treatment with ethambutol hydrochloride, isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide for 2 months and pyrazinamide and isoniazid for 7 months. At the end of treatment, the patient showed clear improvement of symptoms and disappearance of uterine intracavitary collection in the ultrasonographic study.

Tubercular Pyosalpinx Mimicking Ovarian Torsion.

Ovarian torsion is a gynecological emergency that requires prompt recognition and treatment. It may present with nonspecific signs and symptoms, and should be considered in any female with acute abdominal pain. The diagnosis is based on an awareness of the relevant risk factors, the clinical presentation, and a high index of suspicion. Timely investigation and management can make the difference between ovarian loss and salvage — an outcome of great importance in the population of reproductive age females. Whereas Tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease, and the morbidity associated with it has major health implications. When tuberculosis affects the genital organs of young females, it has the devastating effect of causing irreversible damage to their fallopian tubes, resulting in a possible tubercular pyosalpinx and infertility. However, the disease often remains silent . In this case study, suspecting the diagnosis of genital tuberculosis and of establishing the differential diagnosis with ovarian tumors in the presence of large pyosalpinges is highlighted.

Abdominopelvic tuberculosis masquerading ovarian malignancy - Histopathology key to management.

Abdominopelvic tuberculosis (genital tuberculosis) may mimic ovarian malignancy in clinical presentation, ultrasound findings and laboratory tests. We present two cases of genital tuberculosis where a provisional diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma was made. One patient underwent surgery and the other was treated conservatively. These cases underline the mandatory need of a high index of suspicion in our country, towards pelvic tuberculosis preoperatively in a patient with adnexal mass.

0.5% Proparacain hydrochloride for clear corneal phacoemulsification in patients with co-morbid conditions.

Genital tuberculosis is a common cause of female infertility in India. But, it is important to screen for other agents like Chlamydia trachomatis and genital Mycoplasmas as well to avoid persistence of infection and its long-term sequelae. Timely diagnosis of these infections using nucleic acid amplifi cation tests and institution of appropriate therapy will improve the conception rates in infertile women. We report a case of co-infection of Mycoplasma genitalium and Chlamydia trachomatis in an infertile female patient with genital tuberculosis. The infections were diagnosed using polymerase chain reaction, and the patient responded to a combination of antituberculosis therapy and 1 g single-dose Azithromycin.

Tuberculosis genital en un adulto joven / Genital tuberculosis in a young adult

Se describe el caso clínico de un paciente de 31 años de edad (bisexual y exrecluso), con antecedentes de hipertensión arterial, atendido de forma ambulatoria en la consulta de Urología del Hospital Clinicoquirúrgico Universitario "Dr. Ambrosio Grillo Portuondo" de Santiago de Cuba, por presentar cuadros repetidos de orquiepididimitis, sin experimentar la mejoría deseada, a pesar del tratamiento con antibióticos. Al examen físico se detectó un tumor en la cabeza del epidídimo, de modo que se realizó la resección quirúrgica de este. El resultado del estudio anatomopatológico informó que se trataba de una epididimitis granulomatosa de causa tuberculosa. Teniendo en cuenta los antecedentes patológicos personales antes descritos, así como la valoración del colectivo de neumólogos se concluyó el caso como una tuberculosis extrapulmonar genital, para lo cual se indicó el tratamiento específico.

The case report of a 31-year-old patient (a bisexual and ex convict man) is described, with a history of hypertension, who was attended in the outpatient Urology service of "Dr. Ambrosio Grillo Portuondo" Clinical Surgical University Hospital from Santiago de Cuba, for presenting repeated clinical patterns of orchiepididimitis, without experiencing the expected improvement, in spite of the treatment with antibiotics. With the physical exam a tumor was detected in the head of the epididymis, so its surgical resection was carried out. The result of the pathological study confirmed that it was a granulomatous epididymitis of tuberculous cause. Keeping in mind the personal pathological history described, as well as the evaluation of the pneumologists, the case was concluded as an extrapulmonary genital tuberculosis, for which the specific treatment was indicated.

Role of newer methods of diagnosing genital tuberculosis in infertile women.

Genital tuberculosis is an important under-diagnosed factor of infertility. A vast majority of cases are asymptomatic and diagnosing them will help in treating such patients. We conducted a retrospective study in a tertiary care hospital of Delhi with an aim to compare different methods i.e., histopathological examination (HPE), acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smears, Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) culture, BACTEC culture and polymerase chain reaction deoxyribonucleic acid (PCR-DNA) for diagnosing endometrial tuberculosis in infertile women. The data from 546 samples of endometrial biopsy histopathology, AFB smears and LJ culture was collected and then analyzed. Of these, HPE for tuberculosis was positive in 13, LJ culture in 10, AFB smear was positive in one case. BACTEC and PCR-DNA were feasible for 90 patients and PCR-DNA was positive in 20 and BACTEC in eight patients. Out of 20 patients with PCR positive results, 15 were only PCR positive and were subjected to hyster-laparoscopy and fi ve had evidence of tuberculosis. Thus, none of the available tests can pick up all cases of genital tuberculosis, but conventional methods i.e., histopathology and LJ culture still has an important role in the diagnosis of endometrial tuberculosis in government setups where BACTEC and PCR are not performed routinely due to lack of resources.

Female genital TB and HIV co-infection.

HIV-induced immunosuppression paves the way for several infections, tuberculosis being very common in our country. Female genital tuberculosis (FGTB), presenting as menstrual irregularities, is a diagnostic challenge in an adolescent female when these may be considered normal. The present case is of a young female who presented with menstrual irregularities, diagnosed subsequently as a case of genital tuberculosis. Microbiological relapse after anti-tubercular treatment of six months caused suspicion of a co-existing immunodeficiency and investigations revealed HIV co-infection; thus emphasizing the need of HIV testing in all patients of tuberculosis for timely diagnosis and treatment support thereafter.

Two case reports of Ultrasonography features in male genital tuberculosis.

Genitourinary tuberculosis is the common manifestation of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. In the male genital tract, the epididymis followed by seminal vesicle, prostate, vas deferens and testis are commonly affected sites. Ultrasonography (USG) is the best imaging modality for the diagnosis of the diseases of male genital tract. We are presenting USG findings in two cases of male genital tuberculosis with involvement of the prostate, seminal vesicle, epididymis and vas deferens.