From the Guidelines
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the primary strain causing genitourinary tuberculosis (GUTB) in humans. This form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis affects the kidneys, urinary tract, and genital organs. While M. tuberculosis is responsible for the vast majority of GUTB cases, occasionally Mycobacterium bovis can also cause this condition, though this is much less common 1. GUTB typically develops as a secondary infection when TB bacteria spread through the bloodstream from a primary infection site, usually the lungs, and establish infection in the genitourinary system. The bacteria have a particular affinity for the kidneys due to their high oxygen content and blood supply. Key characteristics of GUTB include:
- Affecting all genitourinary organs
- Almost always secondary to the haematogenous spread of chronic latent TB infection (LTBI)
- Risk factors include primary TB and LTBI, diabetes, advanced age, low body mass index, oncological comorbidities, immunosuppression, renal failure, and poor socioeconomic conditions
- Diagnosis relies on a high index of suspicion according to patient history, along with microbiological, molecular, and histological testing, as well as imaging findings 1. Treatment for GUTB follows standard TB treatment protocols with a multi-drug regimen typically consisting of isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol for 2 months, followed by isoniazid and rifampicin for an additional 4 months, as recommended by the World Health Organisation 1.
From the Research
Strains of Mycobacterium Causing Genito Urinary TB in Humans
- The strains of Mycobacterium causing genito urinary TB in humans are not explicitly mentioned in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, it can be inferred that Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the primary causative agent of genito urinary TB, as it is the most common species associated with tuberculosis infections 4.
- The studies focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of genito urinary TB, as well as the drug susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis 2, 3, 5, 6.
- The most common strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis causing genito urinary TB is not specified, but it is known that the bacterium can affect various parts of the genito urinary system, including the epididymis, prostate, and urinary organs 4.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- The diagnosis of genito urinary TB involves the isolation and culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli from urinary samples or other body fluids 4.
- The treatment of genito urinary TB typically involves a 6-month course of anti-tubercular chemotherapy, which may include drugs such as isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide 2, 4.
- In cases of multidrug-resistant TB, additional drugs and longer treatment durations may be necessary 3, 6.