The authors report a retrospective study of 27 cases of ''ileo-caecal
tuberculosis'' collected over a period of 10-years, Sixteen women and
eleven men, between 14 and 55 years of age (with a group mean age of 2
8 years), were included. This is still a common disease in Morocco, de
spite attempts to achieve universal BCG vaccination. Diarrhoea, abdomi
nal pain and a general physical deterioration are the most indicative
signs, but are not specific. Tests for M. tuberculosis hominis are oft
en negative, except in cases in which bacteria proliferate in pulmonar
y excavations, and this makes it difficult to establish a definite dia
gnosis. The detection of narrowing of the ileum or colon in a country
where infection is endemic suggests the possibility of tuberculosis. C
olonoscopy, which is becoming increasingly widespread in Morocco, make
s an essential contribution. Although it is rare for caseum to be dete
cted in biopsy fragments, the main value of histopathology is that it
can eliminate cancer, making it possible to start antibacterial treatm
ent without a diagnostic laparotomy. The outcome of medical treatment
is nearly always positive. clinical improvement, bacteriology tests an
d X-ray examinations are criteria that a cure has been obtained.