FREQUENCY OF INTESTINAL TUBERCULOSIS IN INTESTINAL BIOPSY SPECIMENS

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of intestinal tuberculosis in intestinal biopsy specimens and to evaluate its histopathological features and anatomical distribution.

Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pathology, King Edward Medical University, from June 2025 to September 2025.

Methodology: A total of 83 intestinal biopsy specimens were included through non-probability consecutive sampling. Demographic details including age and gender were recorded. Specimens were fixed in formalin, processed routinely, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Cases diagnosed as intestinal tuberculosis underwent Ziehl–Neelsen staining for acid-fast bacilli detection. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.

Results: The mean age of patients was 36.8 ± 14.2 years, and 46 (55.4%) were males. Intestinal tuberculosis was diagnosed in 11 (13.3%) cases. The ileocecal region was the most frequently involved site (54.5%), followed by the ileum (27.3%). Epithelioid cell granulomas were present in all cases (100%), caseous necrosis in 63.6%, Langhans giant cells in 72.7%, and lymphoid aggregates in 81.8%. Mucosal ulceration was observed in 45.5% of cases. Ziehl–Neelsen staining was positive in 27.3% of cases.

Conclusion: Intestinal tuberculosis constitutes a considerable proportion of intestinal biopsy diagnoses in endemic regions. Granulomatous inflammation with caseous necrosis remains the key histopathological feature, while Ziehl–Neelsen staining demonstrates limited sensitivity.