Related Experiment Videos

Pulmonary tuberculosis in Italian children by age at presentation

A Romano1, P Di Carlo, L Abbagnato

  • 1Civico Hospital, ARNAS, Palermo, Italy.

Minerva Pediatrica
|July 14, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Paediatric pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is more common in younger children, who are also more likely to have an identified source case. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for managing childhood TB, especially in vulnerable young populations.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Paediatric pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) presents unique diagnostic and management challenges.
  • Understanding age-related clinical characteristics is vital for effective PTB control in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the clinical characteristics, diagnostic methods, and outcomes of paediatric PTB.
  • To analyze these factors in relation to children's ages.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective evaluation of 62 children under 15 admitted with suspected PTB.
  • Data collection included demographics, clinical signs, radiography, and microbiology.
  • Contact investigations were performed to identify source cases.

Main Results:

  • Children under 5 years old were more symptomatic and more likely to have an identified source case.
  • Ghon complex was more frequent in younger children.
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MT) or MT DNA was detected in 23% and 32% of patients, respectively.
  • Drug-resistant strains were identified in 5 children and 4 adult sources.

Conclusions:

  • Improved case detection, management, and contact tracing are essential for controlling paediatric TB, particularly in young children.
  • Identifying the source case is critical for appropriate treatment selection in paediatric TB.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

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...
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 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 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:
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...