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[Immunity parameters in children with prior intrathoracic tuberculosis]
Problemy Tuberkuleza
|June 6, 2000
Summary
Long-term follow-up of children treated for intrathoracic tuberculosis shows normal T cell function in most. Persistent antibodies suggest lasting sensitization, warranting monitoring for latent active disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Intrathoracic tuberculosis (TB) poses significant health risks to children.
- Long-term sequelae and immune status post-treatment require thorough investigation.
- Understanding the lasting impact of pediatric TB is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term clinical and immunological status of children after intrathoracic TB treatment.
- To evaluate T cell counts and function in children years after chemotherapy.
- To investigate the persistence of tuberculosis antibodies and antigens.
Main Methods:
- Clinical evaluation of 54 children 3-10 years post-chemotherapy for intrathoracic TB.
- Immunological assessment including T cell counts and functional activity.
- Serological testing for tuberculosis antibodies and antigen titers.
Main Results:
- 90.7% of children exhibited normal T cell counts and functional activity.
- Tuberculosis antibodies were detected in 62% of cases, indicating sustained specific sensitization.
- A tuberculosis antigen titer of 1:16 was found in 5.5% of children with residual changes.
Conclusions:
- Most children demonstrate robust immunological recovery after intrathoracic TB treatment.
- Persistent serological markers suggest long-term immune sensitization.
- Children with residual changes and positive antigen titers require further evaluation for potential latent active tuberculosis.