Vulvar tuberculosis

Tuberculosis and its clinical consequences on Women's health

Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes tuberculosis, a fatal infection resulting in widespread illness and death. In 2020, approximately 10 million people were diagnosed with tuberculosis. The top 30 tuberculosis-endemic countries accounted for 86% of all estimated occurrence cases worldwide. In this context, eight of these accounted for two-thirds of the global total, with India having a prevalence of 26%. Aside from lung inflammation, the risk factors for tuberculosis in women include extra-pulmonary infection, particularly genital tuberculosis, tuberculous mastitis, and tuberculous in the peritoneum, intestine, and spine. Depending on the epidemiologic context and screening methods, different tuberculosis symptoms and disease diagnoses are more or less common among expectant mothers. The disease is almost certainly going to have a global impact. The social stigma and anxiety associated with tuberculosis may have a much more significant negative impact on women's health behaviors than men. Notably, the abdominal sites of miliary tuberculosis could mimic tumor likely, carcinoma and lymphoma. Also, the results of the diagnostic accuracy tests for the condition demonstrate that extra-pulmonary tuberculosis can be quickly and accurately diagnosed in various sites using both the T-SPOT assay and the GeneXpert/PCR test. Therefore, this review exemplified the prevalence of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis at various points in women's lives. On the contrary, it also illustrated the symptoms and dangers of TB as they relate to women's health.

A Case Report on Genital Tuberculosis

Female genital tuberculosis is a significant cause of female infertility. It has been noted that about 10% of females having infertility were due to genital tuberculosis (TB). It is an accidental finding while one is investigating infertility. Laparoscopy is the investigation of choice. A histopathologic examination is done to confirm the diagnosis. A 34-year-old primigravida with 35 weeks + four days gestation with IVF conception and decreased fetal movements with ultrasonography suggestive of a double loop of cord around the neck came for safe confinement. She was operated on July 6, 2022, as an emergency lower segment cesarean section procedure with bilateral fimbriectomy. The indication was that this was an IVF baby, and the mother noticed diminished fetal movements. She was discharged on July 11, 2022. A color doppler was done on the day of discharge which showed normal findings. The patient was asked to come for a follow-up after 15 days in the outpatient department or so in case of an emergency. A high protein and iron diet, plenty of fluids, and adequate rest were recommended. Symptoms differ depending on the severity and spread of the disease. Typical symptoms of TB include fever, night sweats, and weight loss. Other presentations include menstrual dysfunction, and chronic abdominal pain, with or without general symptoms like weight loss. Genital TB can cause abdominal adhesions and tubal blockage. It even causes infertility and menstrual abnormalities like amenorrhea and menorrhagia in females. The investigations to be done are the Mantoux test, chest X-ray, and cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT) to detect the presence of tubercle bacilli. Hysterosalpingography is done to check for infertility. A laparoscopy is to be performed. Symptomatic management of the patient can lead to a successful pregnancy.