ABSTRACT
Infectious diseases of the colon and rectum are a major public health concern worldwide. Infection reduces appetite, increases the body’s metabolic requirements and, if chronic or recurrent, results in loss of body mass. Tuberculosis (TB) has afflicted humans since Neolithic times, and abdominal disease was recognised in the fourth century BC by Hippocrates. Abdominal TB is found worldwide but is particularly prevalent in developing communities where poverty, overcrowding and inadequate public health controls. Abdominal TB presents as either lymphadenopathy, peritoneal TB or visceral TB. Mesenteric Lymphadenopathy is the most common variety of abdominal TB found in the tropics and may be associated with lymphadenopathy in other locations, although a pulmonary lesion is notable by its absence. Peritoneal involvement may result in progressive ascites or there may be widespread peritoneal involvement without ascites. A fibrous form of tuberculous peritonitis also occurs in which there is profound omental thickening and extensive adhesion formation.
