Abstract:
Background: Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) was underdiagnosed due to
its varying and nonspecific symptoms and limited diagnostic tools. Recent data
suggest that there is an increase in the incidence of EPTB due to the availability
of the newer diagnostic tools. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the
patterns and role of newer diagnostic tools, such as cartridge‑based nucleic acid
amplification test (CBNAAT), in EPTB. Methods: Six hundred and thirty‑six
patients with a presumptive diagnosis of EPTB were subjected to diagnostic
tools, such as cartridge‑CBNAATs, Ziehl–Neelsen (Z–N) stain, and cytology
or histopathology. Results: Out of 636 presumptive cases of EPTB, 116 cases
were positive for tuberculosis. The cartridge‑CBNAAT showed positivity in
all 116 cases. Out of these 116 EPTB cases, only 10 cases were positive on
Z–N stain, and 24 cases were positive on cytology and histopathology. The
most common sites affected were the lymph nodes and the pleural cavities.
Conclusion: Cartridge‑CBNAAT gives a rapid result and plays a significant role
in the diagnosis of EPTB.
