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Mantoux test reactions among children managed for tuberculosis in Maiduguri, Nigeria

Mustapha Modu Gofama1, Ashir Mohammed Garba, Alhaji Arab Mohammed

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Nigeria. mgofama@yahoo.com

Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|September 21, 2010
PubMed

Insights

The Mantoux test for tuberculosis (TB) showed a high rate of negative reactions (84.5%) in children at UMTH. Malnutrition and HIV infection were linked to unreliable TB test results, necessitating further diagnostic methods.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis in children presents unique challenges.
  • The Mantoux tuberculin skin test is a common diagnostic tool.
  • Factors like malnutrition and HIV infection can impact Mantoux test accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate Mantoux reaction rates in children managed for TB at UMTH.
  • To identify factors associated with Mantoux test results in this pediatric population.
  • To assess the reliability of Mantoux testing in the context of co-existing conditions.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study of 97 children diagnosed with TB at UMTH over 4 years.
  • Analysis of Mantoux test results (positive vs. negative).
  • Statistical comparison of Mantoux results based on age, sex, BCG vaccination status, malnutrition, HIV infection, and TB dissemination.

Main Results:

  • 84.5% of children had negative Mantoux reactions, while 15.5% were positive.
  • No significant differences in Mantoux results were found regarding age, sex, or BCG vaccination status.
  • Malnutrition and HIV infection were significantly associated with negative Mantoux reactions.
  • Disseminated TB was not significantly associated with Mantoux reaction status.

Conclusions:

  • Mantoux test results can be unreliable in children with malnutrition and HIV infection.
  • Clinical assessment and additional investigations are crucial for diagnosing TB in these children.
  • The study highlights the need for comprehensive diagnostic strategies in high-prevalence settings.

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