Extra-pulmonary TB goes undiagnosed

Skill of physician holds the key

Tuberculosis infections in the body outside the lungs often go undiagnosed but need to be brought into focus to eradicate the disease, doctors say.

Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis is an infection with the bacterium in other parts of the body other than the lung, including bone, lymph nodes, brain, abdomen, and urinary tract.

Significant percentage

Diagnosis often hinges on the skill of the physician in recognising the symptoms. About 15% of the cases of TB infections in the country are said to be extra-pulmonary. The BCG vaccine, which is part of the country’s vaccination programme, protects against extra-pulmonary tuberculosis.

Better vaccine needed

Doctors cite the need for another, more efficient vaccine given that BCG does not protect against an infection in the lungs.

“For healthcare workers and for the general population, such a vaccine is needed. Given that more than 40% of Indians harbour the bacteria in their bodies, a vaccine is essential,” said a doctor, K. Subhakar.

An infection of the tuberculosis in the abdomen can cause infertility in women while an infection can result in death due to meningitis. Doctors say maintaining high levels of immunity with healthy food and lifestyle is essential to prevent an infection.