Digestive Tuberculosis in Madagascar: Histopathological Aspects

Abstract

Tuberculosis is a contagious infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. This illness is a major public health challenge in Madagascar and around the world. The disease can develop in the lungs and other organs. Digestive tuberculosis is rare, accounting for 10% of extrapulmonary forms. Symptoms are not specific. Diagnosis is based on anatomical pathology examination. The purpose of this study is to determine the epidemiological and anatomopathological characteristics of abdominal tuberculosis. Our study was a retrospective, descriptive study conducted at the Pathological Anatomy and Cytology Unit of the University Hospital Center of Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona over a 10-year period from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2021. Digestive localization accounted for 17 cases, which are 1.85% of extra-pulmonary localizations. The mean age of patients was 33 years with extremes of 9 and 66 years. The sex ratio was 4.67. Pain was the main symptom, accounting for 76.47% of cases. Histological aspects were caseo-follicular in 82.35% (n = 14) of cases, follicular in 11.76% (n = 2) and caseous in 5.89% (n = 1). Patients were treated with isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. Surgery has sometimes been required. Tuberculosis is a public health problem in Madagascar. Digestive localization of the disease is mainly observed in young adults especially among men. Clinical signs are not specific, and diagnosis is based on anatomopathology. Treatment is medical but sometimes surgery may be necessary.