Infant tuberculosis in Austria--trend reversal since 1990?

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Published on: September 5, 2017

A Makristathis1, F Stauffer, J P Klein

  • 1Abt. für Klinische Mikrobiologie, Universität Wien, Austria.

Infection
|March 20, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Childhood tuberculosis in Austria is concerning, especially in children under 5. Direct household transmission from adults with tuberculosis was identified as a key infection route in infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Austria has observed a high incidence of childhood tuberculosis since 1990.
  • Cases are predominantly in the 0-4 year age group, with a peak in 1995.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze infant tuberculosis cases in Austria.
  • To identify transmission routes and causative strains.

Main Methods:

  • A nationwide, lab-supported data collection system was established in 1995.
  • Analysis of 85 infant tuberculosis cases from 1995-1996.
  • Culture, DNA fingerprinting (RFLP) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains.

Main Results:

  • Pulmonary manifestations were diagnosed in 66 of 85 cases.
  • Tuberculosis was culture-proven in 45 cases.
  • Direct household transmission from an adult with tuberculosis was the likely source in 9 cases (20%).
  • RFLP analysis confirmed identical strains in three adult-infant transmission pairs.

Conclusions:

  • Direct household transmission is a significant route for infant tuberculosis in Austria.
  • Molecular typing confirms the link between adult and infant tuberculosis cases.
  • Continued surveillance and targeted interventions are crucial.

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