Spread of tuberculosis from obstructed and non-obstructed upper urinary tract

As part of an experimental study of the spread of urogenital tuberculosis, male guinea pigs were inoculated with tubercle bacilli (H37Rv) in the upper part of the ureter. Half of the animals were prepared by ligature of the ureter below the injection site prior to inoculation. Spread of the infection to the lower urinary tract and the genitalia occurred whether the ureter was intact or ligated. It is concluded that lymphatic spread is possible and seems to be more common than urinary (canalicular) spread.