The role of cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT) in early diagnosis of extra pulmonary tuberculosis – a case report

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs, leading to Hemoptysis, which is the most frequent manifestation. When organs other than the lungs, pleura, such as lymph nodes, abdomen, reproductive organs (testicles, ovaries), skin, meninges, bones, and joints are affected, it is called extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB). Recently, the Cartridge-based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) has shown higher sensitivity and specificity than other diagnostic tests in individuals with active and latent tuberculosis infection. This case highlights the importance of early and rapid diagnosis of tuberculous cervical lymphadenitis (scrofula) in a 38-year-old female using a cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT) and its treatment with antitubercular drugs, followed up 2 months after antitubercular drug treatment.