Extrapulmonary tuberculosis in Cologne 2012-2022: a retrospective analysis validating national patterns

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a widespread and life-threatening global infectious disease. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis poses unique challenges in both diagnosis and treatment. This study's goal was to investigate cases of extrapulmonary TB, with a particular focus on epidemiology, diagnostic methods, and treatment practices, within a major German city over a ten-year period. The study aimed to ascertain the incidence rate and identify patient groups at higher risk, comparing them to cases of pulmonary TB.