Overview

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) occurs when the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium infects organs outside the lungs, such as the lymph nodes, bones, kidneys, or the central nervous system. Causes include a weakened immune system, previous TB infection, HIV, or close contact with someone with active TB. It can also arise in individuals with chronic conditions or those on immunosuppressive therapies.

Symptoms

Symptoms of extrapulmonary TB vary depending on the affected organ. Common signs include fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue. Specific symptoms may include pain or swelling in affected areas, neurological symptoms like confusion or weakness, or abdominal pain if internal organs are involved.

Treatment

Treatment for extrapulmonary TB generally involves a prolonged course of antibiotics, similar to pulmonary TB, typically lasting 6-12 months. General management includes first-line antitubercular drugs like isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. In some cases, laparoscopy may be used for diagnosis and to address complications such as abscesses or peritoneal TB.