Tuberculous Manifestations in Children

Abstract

Tuberculosis is a chronic bacterial disease that still ranks high as a public health problem. It occupied the 13th position among the 21 communicable diseases considered as priority problems in Africa, (Buna - 1977). Manifestations of primary tuberculosis occur mainly in children. There is a great paucity of data as to its various modes of presentation in children in this country. This paper records the pattern of tuberculosis observed in children, in the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), Lusaka, and the same is compared with other countries. An analysis of 110 cases of primary tuberculosis in Zambian children revealed that 47% of them had protein energy malnutrition. Of an pulmonary manifestations, simple primary tuberculosis was predominant followed by segmental lesions. A high incidence of extra pulmonary involvement mainly tuberculous lymphadenitis was observed. Previous BCG inoculation was not protective in 37 (33.6%) children.