Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the major global health problem responsible for ill health among millions of
people each year and ranks as the second leading cause of death from an infectious disease worldwide. It
typically affects the lungs (Pulmonary tuberculosis) but can also affect other sides as well (extra
pulmonary Tuberculosis). Clinically extra pulmonary tuberculosis varieties are numerous which makes the
diagnosis difficult. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) determination can be used as one of the tests to prove
serosal tuberculosis. The aim of our study was to assess the role of Adenosine deaminase in extra
pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) like pleural and peritoneal effusion and also to determine its sensitivity
and specificity. In our study 80 cases of effusions were included of which 50 were pleural and 30
peritoneal. Routine and relevant investigations including Adenosine deaminase was estimated in all the
patients and classified into exudates (tuberculous) and transudates (non tuberculous) based on Light’s
criteria. Adenosine deaminase level in tuberculosis pleural effusion ranged from 64-110 IU/L with a mean
of 84 11.8 wheare as in non tuberculous effusion it was 15-40IU/L with a mean of 29 6.46 (P < 0.001
highly significant) In tuberculous peritoneal effusion Adenosine deaminase levels were between 58-112
IU/L with a mean of 88.9 14.7 where as in non tubreclous group it was 8-26 IU/L with a mean of 17.3
5.8 (P < 0.001 highly significant). The sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing tuberculosis in pleural
and peritoneal effusions were 100% with a cut off value of 50 IU/L. Hence it may be concluded that
Adenosine deaminase is an excellent marker for early diagnosis of extra pulmonary tuberculosis.
