Rapid AI·CRISPR–Based Diagnosis Significantly Reduces Surgical Risk in Intestinal Tuberculosis
Navigating the Diagnostic Maze of Intestinal Tuberculosis
Intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) presents with nonspecific symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea, making it easy to confuse with Crohn's disease or gastric cancer. This overlap leads to delayed diagnosis and increased risk of unnecessary surgery.
New Diagnostic Horizons Opened by AI and CRISPR
Recent molecular tests such as GeneXpert MTB/RIF and Ultra, along with multiplex PCR, have enabled rapid confirmation. In addition, artificial intelligence (AI)–based imaging analysis combined with CRISPR‑based stool sequencing platforms allows accurate differentiation of ITB even at early stages. Integrated with endoscopy and histopathology, these technologies markedly reduce the need for surgery.
Future Diagnostic Paradigm: Shift Toward Preventive Therapy
Going forward, real‑time data and AI will predict risk in real time, allowing most patients to recover with pharmacologic therapy alone. This is expected to greatly improve individual quality of life and lessen the burden on the healthcare system.
Intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) is a complex form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis characterized by nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms and substantial overlap with conditions such as Crohn's disease and gastrointestinal malignancies. These similarities frequently lead to diagnostic uncertainty, delayed diagnosis, and inappropriate management. This systematic review summarizes current evidence on the clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic strategies for ITB, with particular emphasis on emerging diagnostic technologies and their role in reducing surgical interventions. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar following PRISMA guidelines to identify relevant studies published from 2000 to 2025. The review focused on clinical manifestations, imaging findings, endoscopic features, histopathological characteristics, molecular diagnostics, pharmacological therapy, and minimally invasive therapeutic interventions. Accurate diagnosis requires an integrated approach combining clinical assessment with imaging, endoscopic evaluation, and histopathological confirmation. Molecular techniques such as GeneXpert MTB/RIF and GeneXpert MTB/RIF Ultra and multiplex polymerase chain reaction assays improve diagnostic accuracy and shorten detection time. Emerging technologies including artificial intelligence-assisted radiologic interpretation and CRISPR-based stool sequencing platforms show promise for earlier detection. Standard anti-tubercular therapy remains the cornerstone of treatment, while minimally invasive endoscopic and surgical procedures are effective for managing complications such as strictures, obstruction, and perforation. Early and precise diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis is essential to prevent complications and optimize patient outcomes. Integrating conventional diagnostic approaches with emerging molecular and artificial intelligence-based technologies may enhance diagnostic precision and support i
Because ITB presents with vague symptoms, misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgeries have been common. Rapid and accurate diagnostic technologies accelerate treatment, enabling patients to maintain health without major surgery in everyday life.