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[Tuberculosis infection and disease in immigrant children]
Raffaella Giacchino1, Lucio di Martino, Giuseppe Losurdo
1U.O. Malattie Infettive, I.R.C.C.S. Giannina Gaslini, Genova, U.O. Infettivologia Pediatrica, A.O. Santobono Pausilipon, Napoli, Italy.
Le Infezioni in Medicina
|March 17, 2004
Summary
Tuberculosis (TBC) cases are rising in Italy, particularly among immigrant children. This study found a 2.5% prevalence of TBC disease in immigrant children, highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TBC) cases have increased in Italy since the late 1980s, linked to factors like the HIV epidemic and immigration.
- Immigrant children, often from high-incidence TBC countries and facing socioeconomic challenges, are a vulnerable population.
Observation:
- A study in two children's hospitals from 2001-2002 screened 228 immigrant children using the Mantoux test.
- Patients originated from South America (44%), Africa (20%), Eastern Europe (19%), and the Far East (17%), with a mean age of 4 years.
Findings:
- The Mantoux test was positive in 13.2% (30/228) of immigrant children.
- Of those with positive tests, 21 had latent TBC infection, and 9 had active tuberculous disease, including pulmonary and cervical adenopathy.
- The prevalence of tuberculous disease was significantly higher in immigrant children (2.5%) compared to native children (0.2%).
Implications:
- Epidemiological monitoring and clinical research are crucial for understanding and managing TBC in immigrant children.
- Targeted interventions and adequate treatment are essential for controlling tuberculosis in this high-risk group.