Genital tuberculosis in women reaches the genital tract predominantly by which route?
- A Direct contiguous spread from bowel
- B Haematogenous spread from a pulmonary or other primary focus ✓
- C Lymphatic spread from inguinal nodes
- D Ascending infection via the vagina during intercourse
Correct answer: B. Haematogenous spread from a pulmonary or other primary focus
Explanation
Female genital tuberculosis is almost always secondary, with Mycobacterium tuberculosis reaching the tubes haematogenously from a primary focus, most commonly the lung, which may itself be quiescent or healed. The tubes are infected first, followed by the endometrium. Sexual transmission producing primary vulval or vaginal tuberculosis is described but is exceedingly rare.
Reference: Shaw's Textbook of Gynaecology, 17th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.