Can genito-urinary TB be acquired through sexual contact?

Q: What are the chances of acquiring genitor-urinary tuberculosis through sexual contact? What are its symptoms and which tests necessary for its diagnosis?

A:The usual mode of spread of genitourinary TB is through the blood stream from an active/quiescent focus in the body. The risk of acquiring infection would be greater for the female than the male. The general tests would include complete blood counts, ESR, urine microscopy. The definitive tests required are: In males, Urine for AFB smear (ZN stain, Direct fluorescence) & AFB culture on 3 consequent days; Molecular testing (Geneprobe / PCR) could be done in selected cases. In females, in addition, endometrial curettage could be sent for the same investigations.