Urogenital tuberculosis: definition and classification.
OBJECTIVE
To improve the approach to the diagnosis and management of urogenital tuberculosis (UGTB), we need clear and unique classification. UGTB remains an important problem, especially in developing countries, but it is often an overlooked disease. As with any other infection, UGTB should be cured by antibacterial therapy, but because of late diagnosis it may often require surgery.


METHODS
Scientific literature dedicated to this problem was critically analyzed and juxtaposed with the author's own more than 30 years' experience in tuberculosis urology.


RESULTS
The conception, terms and definition were consolidated into one system; classification stage by stage as well as complications are presented. Classification of any disease includes dispersion on forms and stages and exact definitions for each stage. Clinical features and symptoms significantly vary between different forms and stages of UGTB. A simple diagnostic algorithm was constructed.


CONCLUSIONS
UGTB is multivariant disease and a standard unified approach to it is impossible. Clear definition as well as unique classification are necessary for real estimation of epidemiology and the optimization of therapy. The term 'UGTB' has insufficient information in order to estimate therapy, surgery and prognosis, or to evaluate the epidemiology.
Novosibirsk Research TB Institute, Head of Urogenital Clinic, Professor of Novosibirsk Medical University Okhotskaya 81-a, Novosibirsk 630040, Russian Federation.
Ekaterina
E
Kulchavenya
Mycobacterium tuberculosis; bladder; classification; diagnosis; kidney; prostate; tuberculosis; urogenital