Do tuberculosis causes ascites?

X-ray the patient's chest, and examine his ascitic fluid. If the cell count is over 50 [gm]l, with at least 70% lymphocytes, he is fairly likely to have tuberculous peritonitis. Your lab will be unlikely to find AAFB in it, because they are very sparse. read more

Sure, see The ascitic type of abdominal tuberculosis due to tuberculouos peritonitis (inflammation of the inner lining of the belly) see Systematic review: tuberculous peritonitis--presenting features, diagnostic strategies and treatment. read more

The ascitic type of abdominal tuberculosis In Africa, about 70% of patients with abdominal tuberculosis present with ascites; in India only about 10% of them do. In Zambia tuberculosis is responsible for 20% of all cases of ascites. The patient presents with a swollen abdomen containing many litres of straw-coloured fluid. read more