Clinical characteristics of tuberculosis in childhood

Abstract

Tuberculosis is a serious disease for world health and there has been an increase in the number of cases in recent years. Children are the most vulnerable to infection, with a greater risk of developing the disease and with a greater frequency of its serious forms. In spite of that, it is exceptional for them to develop bacilliferous TB, with its treatment not playing a great role in the epidemiological control of the disease. However, the treatment of latent tuberculosis infection in children avoids development of the disease and the study of familial contacts can help the diagnosis, treatment and control of the contagious adult. This paper reviews tuberculosis in childhood, with emphasis on some of its peculiarities. We analyse TB infection and disease, the behaviour towards the child by the infected or diseased mother, and aspects of prevention through chemo and immunoprofilaxis.