Background and objectives:  Abdominal TB (ATB) is a form of EPTB. It is seen in about 10% of those with EPTB. HIV is an important comorbidity. This study was done to describe the clinical profile of newly diagnosed hospitalised ATB and to estimate the frequency of HIV seropositivity in these patients.

Methodology: Hospitalised patients newly diagnosed to have ATB based on RNTCP criteria were recruited after consent. Their clinical profile, and invesigations were recorded. HIV testing was done. Statistical analysis was done for frequencies of types of ATB.  The relationship between types of ATB with age, sex, HIV status, and CD4 was also determined.

Results: The total number of cases of ATB was 33. The mean age was 39.6 years. A male preponderance of 72.7% was seen.HIV positivity found in 8 (24.2%). The most common presenting complaints were abdominal pain and fever. Abdominal CT was the imaging done in 16(48.4%) while 13(39.4%) of the cases only USG was needed. Biopsy was done under radiological guidance in 14 of the cases (42.4%) and with laparoscopy in 1(3%). Out of all the biopsies AFB was detected in 4 (28.6%) cases.There was an association between the status of HIV and the type of abdominal TB. The most common type was abdominal lymphadenopathy (62.5%). 

Conclusion: ATB is a common form of EPTB that has a chronic presentation. CT abdomen along with HPE and cytology is being used increasingly for diagnosis.

Keywords: Abdominal tuberculosis, EPTB.

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