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Factors associated with tuberculosis disease in children from a hospital in Western Mexico
Juan C Lona-Reyes1,2,3, Jalil González-Valadez1,3, Hugo C Suárez Maytorena1
1Hospital Civil de Guadalajara Dr. Juan I. Menchaca, Guadalajara.
Insights
Malnutrition and consuming unpasteurized dairy products significantly increase the risk of tuberculosis in children. This study highlights key risk factors for pediatric tuberculosis, aiding in early detection and prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, particularly affecting vulnerable pediatric populations.
- Understanding the clinical and demographic profiles of children with TB is crucial for effective disease control.
- Identifying associated risk factors can inform targeted prevention and intervention strategies in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical and demographic characteristics of children diagnosed with tuberculosis.
- To identify factors associated with confirmed tuberculosis disease in pediatric patients.
- To provide insights into the epidemiology of childhood tuberculosis.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective, observational study was conducted at the Hospital Civil de Guadalajara Dr. Juan I. Menchaca.
- Inclusion criteria: Inpatient/outpatient children (<18 years) reported for suspected TB with mycobacterial testing.
- Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to determine associated factors.
Main Results:
- 109 children (median age 11 years, 50.5% male) were included; 55% (n=60) had confirmed TB.
- Pulmonary TB: 15% (9/60); Extrapulmonary TB: 85% (51/60).
- Malnutrition (OR 15.9) and consumption of unpasteurized products (OR 7.45) were significantly associated with childhood TB.
Conclusions:
- Malnutrition is a strong risk factor for developing tuberculosis in children.
- Consumption of unpasteurized dairy products is linked to an increased risk of pediatric TB.
- These findings underscore the importance of nutritional status and food safety in TB prevention among children.
Background:
This study aimed to describe the clinical and demographic characteristics of children with confirmed tuberculosis disease and identify associated factors.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective and observational study at the Hospital Civil de Guadalajara Dr. Juan I. Menchaca. Inpatient and outpatient children under 18 years of age who were reported to the National Epidemiological Surveillance System (SINAVE, for its Spanish acronym) for suspected tuberculosis and who had molecular or microbiological tests for mycobacteria were included in the study. Multivariate analysis with logistic regression was used to analyze associated factors.
Results:
One hundred and nine patients under 18 years of age with suspected tuberculosis were included in the study. About 50.5% (55/109) were male, and the median age was 11 years. Tuberculosis was confirmed in 55% (n = 60): 15% (9/60) had a pulmonary infection, and the rest (51/60) had an extrapulmonary infection. The diagnostic tests used were histopathological study (n = 26), expectoration or gastric aspirate stains (n = 17), polymerase chain reaction (n = 12), and cultures (n = 5). Positive purified protein derivative (PPD) or interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) tests were found in 33.9%. Malnutrition (odds ratio [OR] 15.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.3-109), and consumption of unpasteurized products (OR 7.45, 95% CI: 1.02-54.3) were associated with tuberculosis disease in children.
Conclusions:
Malnutrition and consumption of unpasteurized dairy products are associated with tuberculosis.
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