Clinical Case Database / Category: Patient Management

Genitourinary tuberculosis: a rare problem in the UK but one that needs to be suspected in high risk groups

Publication details

Dr Arsalan Wafi, Mr Hussain M Alnajjar, Dr Cathy M Corbishley, Mr Harbinder K Sharma
Foundation Years Journal, volume 8, issue 10, p.28 (123Doc Education, London, November 2014)

Abstract

In developed countries, the knowledge of diagnosing and managing tuberculosis (TB) and how it can affect the genitourinary system, for most junior doctors, is gained solely from textbooks. Although this should be hailed as a success story, the surge in intercontinental travel over the past decades highlights the importance of having knowledge of a disease with a global incidence of 8-10 million per year.
Genitourinary tuberculosis (GUTB) is very rare in the UK and very few junior doctors would routinely think about it when managing urological problems. If left untreated, GUTB poses a great risk for public health as well as the patient. Catching it early and ensuring therapy adherence reduces the need for radical surgery and prevents the rise of multidrug-resistant strains. This review article aims to educate junior doctors on the pathophysiology, clinical manifestation, diagnosis and management of GUTB.

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Authors

Dr Arsalan Wafi

Foundation Year 1 Trainee, Bedford Hospital NHS Trust,
South Wing, Kempston Road, MK42 9DJ, UK
wafiarsalan@gmail.com

Mr Hussain M Alnajjar (Corresponding author)

Specialty Registrar in Urology, Bedford Hospital NHS Trust,
South Wing, Kempston Road, MK42 9DJ, UK
hu55doc@gmail.com

Dr Cathy M Corbishley

Consultant Histopathologist, St George's Healthcare NHS Trust,
Blackshaw Road, SW17 0QT, UK
athy.corbishley@stgeorges.nhs.uk

Mr Harbinder K Sharma

Consultant Urological Surgeon, Bedford Hospital NHS Trust,
South Wing, Kempston Road, MK42 9DJ, UK
harbinder.sharma@bedfordhospital.nhs.uk

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