Tuberculosis (Tb) In Children - An Evaluation Of Clinical-Features And Special Investigations As Diagnostic-Criteria

The symptoms, clinical features and chest radiography (CR) features of 340 children aged <13 years with suspected TB were prospectively evaluated. Results are tabulated. Tuberculin testing was positive in 39% of confirmed cases and 51% of probable TB. Conclusions: Symptoms and signs were of little diagnostic help. Adult PTB contact and poor nutrition is common in endemic areas. Greatest specificity, besides a positive culture for M. tuberculosis, was provided by lymphadenopathy on CR and a positive tuberculin test. For epidemiological purposes better verifiable conditions i.e. miliary TB and TB meningitis should be utilised.