Related Experiment Videos
Abdominal tuberculosis in Bradford, UK: 1992-2002
Amit Singhal1, Atul Gulati, Ruth Frizell
1Integrated Department of Gastroenterology, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, UK. amitabhsinghal@hotmail.com
European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|August 12, 2005
Summary
Abdominal tuberculosis is common in multicultural UK communities, particularly among South Asians. Early diagnosis and standard treatment are effective, with drug resistance being rare in this study.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Bradford, UK has a significant South Asian population (17.3%).
- Abdominal tuberculosis (TB) presents a diagnostic challenge in multicultural settings.
- A 10-year review of abdominal TB cases was conducted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the experience with abdominal tuberculosis over a decade.
- To analyze the demographic, clinical, and microbiological features of abdominal TB.
- To assess treatment outcomes and drug resistance patterns.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 50 case records from the Tuberculosis Registry (1992-2002).
- Analysis of patient demographics, presenting symptoms, and affected sites.
- Microbiological confirmation and drug sensitivity testing.
Main Results:
- High incidence in South Asians (9.32/10^5/year) vs. Caucasians (0.1/10^5/year).
- Common symptoms: fever (90%), abdominal pain (88%), weight loss (82%).
- Ileocaecal region (40%) and peritonitis (32%) were common sites; Mycobacterium tuberculosis confirmed in 58%.
Conclusions:
- Abdominal TB is a significant issue in multicultural UK communities.
- Early diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion.
- Standard anti-tubercular therapy is effective; surgery is rarely needed. Drug resistance was not a problem.