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[A retrospective study on tuberculin in children under 19]
M Herranz Alvarez1, R Vázquez Gallardo, I Minguella García
1Servicio Galego de Saúde, Pontevedra.
Anales Espanoles De Pediatria
|March 1, 1996
Summary
A negative tuberculin test (TT) in BCG-vaccinated children misses 50% of tuberculosis infections. Age and BCG vaccination significantly impact TT results in children under 19.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- The tuberculin test (TT) is a key diagnostic tool for tuberculosis (TB) infection.
- Understanding factors influencing TT results in children is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- The impact of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination on TT interpretation requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe tuberculin test (TT) results in children under 19 years.
- To analyze the utility of a negative TT in diagnosing TB.
- To evaluate the influence of age and BCG vaccination on TT outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 20,555 TT results over 9 years.
- Classification of TTs by age, BCG vaccination status, and indication.
- Statistical comparison of TT induration sizes across different age groups and vaccination statuses.
Main Results:
- TT results varied significantly between children aged 1 year and those aged 2-18 years (p < 0.001).
- In BCG-vaccinated children aged 2-18, 50% of those infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis had a negative TT.
- BCG vaccination influenced TT results in children younger than 14 years.
Conclusions:
- A negative TT is unreliable for diagnosing TB in 50% of BCG-vaccinated children.
- Age and BCG vaccination status are critical factors affecting TT interpretation in pediatric populations.
- Revised diagnostic strategies are needed for TB screening in vaccinated children.