Intestinal Tuberculosis

Synonyms

Intestinal caseating granulomas disease

Definition

Intestinal manifestation of tuberculosis, infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium species mainly Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Most of the cases represents secondary spread of pulmonary tuberculosis via swallowing of infected sputum, hematogenous, spread or direct extension from adjacent structures. Ileocaecal and jejunoileal segments are most commonly involved sites followed by duodenal, appendiceal, and anal/perianal sites. Peritoneal tuberculosis may be the case in substantial number of patients with ascites and clinically relevant adhesions. In rare cases, intestinal tuberculosis may be primary due to ingestion of infected milk from contaminated cows. This situation may take place in countries where milk pasteurization is not performed. Apart from intestines, primary tuberculosis may also localize in oral mucosa and tonsils. In these cases, Mycobacterium bovisspecies must be taken into account. Extrapulmonary...