EPPTB

Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis (EPPTB) is a form of tuberculosis that occurs outside the lungs. Although the lungs are the most common site for tuberculosis, the disease can also affect other parts of the body, hence the term "extrapulmonary".

Overview

Tuberculosis is a disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily affects the lungs, it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, abdomen, genitourinary system, skin, bones and joints, and the central nervous system. When it affects these other parts, it is referred to as Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis (EPPTB).

Symptoms

The symptoms of EPPTB depend on the organ system involved but generally include fever, weight loss, and night sweats. For example, tuberculosis of the spine may result in back pain, while tuberculosis of the kidneys may cause blood in the urine.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of EPPTB can be challenging as the symptoms are often non-specific and can mimic other diseases. It often involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, imaging studies, and laboratory tests. The definitive diagnosis is made by isolating Mycobacterium tuberculosis from a sample of tissue or fluid from the affected site.

Treatment

Treatment for EPPTB is similar to that for pulmonary tuberculosis and involves a combination of antituberculous drugs. The duration of treatment may be longer, especially for forms of the disease that are more difficult to treat, such as tuberculosis of the bones and joints.

Epidemiology

EPPTB accounts for approximately 15-20% of all cases of tuberculosis in immunocompetent individuals and up to 50% in those with HIV/AIDS. It is more common in children and in individuals with a weakened immune system.

See Also

• Tuberculosis
• Pulmonary Tuberculosis
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Antituberculous drugs