Urogenital tuberculosis in Cochabamba-Bolivia: Incidence, microbiological follow-up and monitoring of anti-TB treatment

Abstract

Objective: to determine the incidence of urogenital tuberculosis (UGTB) in the 2 diagnostic reference centers of Cochabamba. Methods: retrospective cross-sectional study from January 2013 to March 2020; Study population: patients with suspected UGTB with culture request for BK. Data collection: Laboratory database and review of clinical records. Results: 2266 patients with clinical suspicion of UGTB who had urine cultures for TB were identified; of which 133 (5.87%) patients were culture positive: 87 male (65.4%) and 46 female (34.6%); Of these, 115 patients do not have complete follow-up and only 18 patients were evaluated, of which 83.3% had renal TB, 11.1% genital and 5.6% bladder; 77.8% had lower urinary tract symptoms, 33.3% had some type of comorbidity and 1 required urological surgery. Antituberculosis treatment was standard in 100%, 1 presented adverse reaction, but no resistance or deaths associated with the treatment. Discussion: the incidence of 5.87% is not negligible, due to the fact that a high index of suspicion is required and to have the culture for diagnosis, follow-up and termination of therapy and thus reduce irreversible damage affecting functionality.