TUBERCULOSIS IN CHILDREN
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) which can affect all
organs of the body. Transmission is from person to person through airborne spread. TB
takes advantage to infect children who mostly suffer from HIV, Kwashiorkor, Post Measles,
Pertussis, patients on steroids or cytotoxic (opportunistic disease).
TB is common in overcrowded homes or transport systems where people are squashed together.
PRESENTATION OF PULMONARY TB
Asymptomatic in the case of primary complex stage and primary progressive shows very
few symptoms
Poor weight gain and significant weight loss
Chronic cough
Respiratory distress and wheezing due to enlarged lymph nodes compressing the bronchi
DIAGNOSIS OF TB
Tuberculin (Mantoux) skin test (TST): Injection of tuberculoprotein in to the skin and observe for
48 to 72 hours to have a trained health care worker look for a reaction on the arm. The result
depends on the size of the raised, hard area or swelling.
ASSESSING CHILDREN FOR TUBERCULOSIS
Notes by @silibazisomupereki
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) which can affect all
organs of the body. Transmission is from person to person through airborne spread. TB
takes advantage to infect children who mostly suffer from HIV, Kwashiorkor, Post Measles,
Pertussis, patients on steroids or cytotoxic (opportunistic disease).
TB is common in overcrowded homes or transport systems where people are squashed together.
PRESENTATION OF PULMONARY TB
Asymptomatic in the case of primary complex stage and primary progressive shows very
few symptoms
Poor weight gain and significant weight loss
Chronic cough
Respiratory distress and wheezing due to enlarged lymph nodes compressing the bronchi
DIAGNOSIS OF TB
Tuberculin (Mantoux) skin test (TST): Injection of tuberculoprotein in to the skin and observe for
48 to 72 hours to have a trained health care worker look for a reaction on the arm. The result
depends on the size of the raised, hard area or swelling.
ASSESSING CHILDREN FOR TUBERCULOSIS
Notes by @silibazisomupereki
