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The spread of drug-resistant tuberculosis in children: an Italian case series

F Mignone1, L R Codecasa2, C Scolfaro1

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Infectious Diseases Unit,University of Turin,Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin,Italy.

Epidemiology and Infection
|February 1, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Drug-resistant paediatric tuberculosis (TB) is a growing concern. This study found that most children diagnosed with TB in Italy between 2006-2010 had drug-resistant strains, but treatment outcomes were generally good.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) poses a significant global health challenge, particularly in pediatric populations.
  • Epidemiological data on drug-resistant TB in children in Italy is limited.
  • Recent changes in TB epidemiology necessitate updated data on pediatric cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report cases of drug-resistant TB in children and adolescents diagnosed in Italy.
  • To analyze the characteristics and treatment outcomes of pediatric drug-resistant TB.
  • To highlight the emerging trend of drug-resistant TB in the pediatric setting.

Main Methods:

  • A case series approach was used, collecting data from four Italian tertiary centers.
  • Twenty-two children and adolescents diagnosed with TB between June 2006 and July 2010 were enrolled.
  • Clinical data, drug resistance patterns, and treatment outcomes were reviewed.

Main Results:

  • Out of 22 pediatric patients, 17 showed resistance to one or more anti-TB drugs, and five had multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB).
  • The majority of affected children were either foreign-born or had at least one foreign parent.
  • Twenty-one patients completed treatment successfully with good clinical and radiological outcomes, experiencing few adverse effects from second-line drugs.

Conclusions:

  • The findings suggest a concerning increase in drug-resistant TB among children in Italy.
  • Second-line anti-TB drugs appear effective with manageable side effects in pediatric cases.
  • Further surveillance and research are needed to address the rising challenge of pediatric drug-resistant TB.

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