Intestinal tuberculosis affects digestive tract

Intestinal tuberculosis, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is a rare form of the disease that affects the digestive system rather than just the lungs. According to gastrointestinal surgeon Dr. Niradž Damidža of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, the infection typically targets the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine.

Symptoms often develop gradually and can be easily mistaken for other conditions such as Crohn's disease or malignant tumors. Key indicators include persistent pain around the navel or lower right abdomen, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, fever, night sweats, and changes in bowel habits like diarrhea or constipation. The infection can reach the digestive tract through the ingestion of infected respiratory secretions or via the blood and lymphatic system.

High-risk groups include individuals with weakened immune systems, HIV, malnutrition, or those who have been in contact with tuberculosis patients. Because symptoms mimic other ailments, diagnosis requires a combination of methods, including colonoscopy with biopsy, tissue analysis, microbiological tests, and imaging such as ultrasound or CT scans.