Mantoux test is positive. Am I suffering from tuberculosis?

Question

Hi doctor,

I had pulmonary tuberculosis in my teen age. After a full course of ATT, I was recovered and no findings on sputum and x-ray. Now, I am 30 years old. I have left lower abdomen pain since two to three years. But, it is not severe. The pain is intermittent and often relieved by passing stool. My gynecologist advised me for Mantoux, which came out as positive. I am planning for a baby for three months. My menstrual cycle is fairly regular with an interval of 21 days and I have dysmenorrhea since my menarche. Am I suffering from genital tuberculosis?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Mantoux positive is showing sensitivity to tuberculin antigen. It is a screening test and not a confirmatory test. If it comes positive, then do TB PCR (tuberculosis polymerase chain reaction) for confirmation. If that too comes positive, then it means there is a chance of genital TB and you have to take treatment for it for around four to six months accordingly. If TB PCR is negative, then you do not have to worry. As far as pregnancy is concerned, you can try if PCR comes negative. Also, there is decreased pregnancy rate after pulmonary TB. Get in touch with your gynecologist. Hopefully you will get pregnant. Go step by step.You may have to do HSG (hysterosalpingogram) for tubal potency before trying for pregnancy if TB PCR is negative. If tubal potency is there, then you can try for pregnancy normally. But, if the tubes are blocked, then you have to go for IVF (in vitro fertilization).