9. Intestinal Tuberculosis: An Old Adversary with New Tricks
Tuberculosis, primarily known for its pulmonary manifestations, has a sneaky side too. Intestinal tuberculosis, caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium, affects the gut, leading to inflammation, ulcers, and, inevitably, malabsorption.
The bacteria, upon entering the body, can travel and settle in the intestines. Once there, they cause granulomas—small nodules resulting from inflammation. These granulomas and the accompanying ulcers disrupt the normal structure and function of the intestines, impeding nutrient absorption.
One might wonder about the symptoms. Abdominal pain, weight loss, and fever are common. However, an interesting challenge arises in diagnosis. Intestinal TB often mimics Crohn’s Disease, leading to potential misdiagnoses. The similarity between the two conditions is a testament to the complexity of digestive disorders. (9)
