Objective: To estimate the incidence of genital tract tuberculosis (T.B.) among infertile women during laparoscopic
evaluation for infertility in Mansoura University Hospital.
Design: A prospective study.
Setting: Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pathology and Clinical Pathology Departments, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura
University.
Methods: Two hundreds and ten infertile WOmen were evaluated by laparoscopy for infertility problem from January
2002 to September 2004. Any suspicious findings for 1'.8. adnexitis Or peritonitis were biopsied, and whole
endometrial curettage was taken for histopathology. A confirmatory test P.C.R. was performed form peritoneal fluid
samples and tissue biopsies.
Results: The incidence of genital tract TB. as diagnosed by laparoscopy and confirmed by tissue biopsy was 5.7%
among infertile women in Mansoura University Hospital. Laparoscopic findings and direct tissue biopsy had the
highest sensitivity and specificity (92-94%) followed by P.C.R (83-85%) and lastly endometrial biopsy (75-80%) for
diagnosis ofTB.. The incidence of TB. increased among rural. low socioeconomic and low educational level patients.
Conclusion: Genital T.B.has still a role in the aetiopathogenesis of infertility in our community. Laparoscopy and
direct tissue biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis.