Background Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health issue, with India having a high TB burden. The primary objective of this study was to study the basic demographic and clinical characteristics of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis (EPTB) in patients registered in Rajasthan, with special emphasis on abdominal tuberculosis.

Methods Retrospective study of EPTB patients data reported in the state of Rajasthan India for the last three years year 2021 to 2023

Results In 2021, the total reported cases were 148,892, and EPTB was 30,156 (20%); in 2022, the total cases were 168.915, and EPTB was 33.617 (20%). In 2023, the total cases were 165.095, and EPTB was 31,525 (19%). In 5% of cases, no location was documented. EPTB was reported in 11% male and 10% female.

In the years 2021, 2022, and 2023, out of the total reported EPTB cases were Lymphatic 18%, 22%, and 14%, respectively; Pleural 21%, 25%, and 16%; Abdominal cases were 29%, 15% and 5%, while miscellaneous TB cases were 16%,22%,14%. Bone TB presents an average of 2%; Genitourinary 2%, Spinal 4%, and meningitis 2%. A few cases (<1%) of hepatic, gallbladder, or pancreatic tuberculosis, but No cases of miliary TB or pericardial TB were reported. Patients in the pediatric age group were 2%, aged 15 to 45 years 13%, 46 to 60 years 3% and > 60 years 2.5%.

The most common types of EPTB are pleural (20.6%), lymphatic (18%), and abdominal (16.3%). The study suggests that 15- —to 45-year-old males and females had the highest proportion of EPTB. We think that most extrapulmonary TB is diagnosed from clinical symptoms, suggesting a high likelihood of diagnostic delays and misdiagnosis of extrapulmonary TB cases, with more chances of being MDR TB requiring specialized treatment.

Conclusions This study describes the epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of patients with extrapulmonary TB in western Indian states with an emphasis on abdominal Koch’s cases. The burden of EPTB is more among the productive young age group, with males and females having almost similar incidence.