By which route does Mycobacterium tuberculosis MOST commonly reach the female genital tract?
- A Direct contiguous spread from intestinal tuberculosis
- B Lymphatic spread from inguinal nodes
- C Haematogenous spread from a primary focus, usually pulmonary ✓
- D Ascending infection via sexual contact
Correct answer: C. Haematogenous spread from a primary focus, usually pulmonary
Explanation
Genital tuberculosis is almost always secondary, reaching the tubes haematogenously from a primary focus, classically a pulmonary lesion that may be quiescent or even radiologically healed. The tubes are seeded first, then infection descends to the endometrium and ovaries. Direct spread from bowel disease and lymphatic routes are rare, and sexual transmission producing primary genital tuberculosis is exceptional, reported mainly in partners of men with genitourinary tuberculosis.
Reference: Shaw's Textbook of Gynaecology, 17th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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