Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 19, 2026

System for Efficacy and Cytotoxicity Screening of Inhibitors Targeting Intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis
09:57

System for Efficacy and Cytotoxicity Screening of Inhibitors Targeting Intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Published on: April 5, 2017

Screening contacts of children with tuberculosis: an important and worthwhile part of case management

A Fuimaono1, J Vince

  • 1Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

Papua and New Guinea Medical Journal
|June 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Screening household contacts of children newly diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) is crucial. This study found high rates of TB infection among child contacts, necessitating early treatment and chemoprophylaxis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in pediatric populations.
  • Effective management of childhood TB requires comprehensive strategies, including contact tracing and screening.
  • Early identification and treatment of TB in children are vital to prevent disease progression and transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of a household contact screening program for newly diagnosed pediatric tuberculosis cases.
  • To determine the yield of antituberculous therapy and chemoprophylaxis among child and adult contacts.
  • To assess the prevalence of adult contacts within families of children diagnosed with TB.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective screening of household contacts of 49 children diagnosed with TB.
  • Utilized chest X-rays and Mantoux tests for contact evaluation.
  • Initiated antituberculous therapy and isoniazid (INAH) chemoprophylaxis based on diagnostic findings.

Main Results:

  • Screening involved 182 chest X-rays and 67 Mantoux tests.
  • 39% of child contacts (32/83) and 11% of adult contacts (11/99) were initiated on antituberculous therapy.
  • Two infants received isoniazid (INAH) chemoprophylaxis; adult contacts were identified in 22% of families.

Conclusions:

  • Household contact screening is an essential component of managing pediatric TB cases.
  • The program identified a substantial number of infected contacts requiring treatment.
  • This approach is critical for the comprehensive care of tuberculous children and their families.

Keywords:
AfricaAfrica South Of The SaharaAge FactorsChildChild HealthClinical ResearchDemographic FactorsDeveloping CountriesDiseasesEnglish Speaking AfricaExaminations And DiagnosesHealthInfectionsNigeriaPopulationPopulation CharacteristicsResearch MethodologyResearch ReportScreeningTreatmentTuberculosisWestern AfricaYouth

Related Concept Videos

Pulmonary Tuberculosis V01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis V

Medical management of tuberculosis (TB) patients involves a comprehensive approach that includes diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. The specific strategies can vary depending on the type of tuberculosis (latent or active), the patient's overall health status, and other considerations.
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV01:26

Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV

Tuberculosis, more commonly referred to as TB, is an infectious disease stemming from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily impacts the lungs, TB can also affect other body areas. Given its severity and global impact, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for controlling its spread and improving patient outcomes.
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Tuberculosis01:23

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health concern, primarily targeting the lungs and spreading through airborne transmission. Infection begins when aerosolized droplet nuclei, expelled by an individual with active TB, are inhaled by another person. These microscopic particles carry Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of TB. Upon reaching the alveoli, the bacilli are engulfed by alveolar macrophages. However, due to their specialized lipid-rich cell wall, these pathogens...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis II

Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III01:31

Pulmonary Tuberculosis III

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories: