CLINICAL SPECTRUM OF TUBERCULOSIS IN BCG VACCINATED CHILDREN

Tuberculosis

Abstract

A descriptive study was conducted in Paediatrics department CMH Mardan to evaluate the clinical spectrum of childhood tuberculosis in BCG vaccinated children. A total of 78 cases were completely followed up and evaluated. Out of these 74.36% had intra-thoracic lesions alone, 5.13% had isolated lymph node TB, 17.95% had disseminated forms and 2.56% had hypersensitivity phenomenon. 55% cases had positive history of contact with adult case of tuberculosis. Another important finding observed in this study was that the majority of tuberculosis cases especially disseminated forms were closely associated with malnutrition and low socioeconomic conditions in affected children. In view of this study, it is recommended that most efficient ways to reduce childhood morbidity from tuberculosis is the control of transmission from adults and BCG vaccination at birth along with improving nutritional and socioeconomic conditions of paediatric population.