Tuberculosis

Question 1

What is the cause of tuberculosis in children and where do most cases occur in Europe?

Answer 1

Caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis, mostly occurs in Eastern Europe.

Question 2

What is this a presentation of?

Overseas contact, HIV +ve, odd CXR, fever, cough, anorexia, failure to thrive, malaise.

Answer 2

Tuberculosis

Question 3

How is tuberculosis diagnosed in children?

Answer 3

1. 3x sputum samples stained for AFB
2. In young children who swallows sputum, early morning gastric aspirates.
3. CXR - calcifications or mediastinal lymphadenopathy

Question 4

What is the treatment for tuberculosis in children?

Answer 4

1. Rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide - 2 months
2. Rifampicin, isoniazid - further 4 months
3. Give pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)

Question 5

What is the vaccine for tuberculosis, who is it given to, and what can it specifically prevent?

Answer 5

1. BCG
2. Children with parents from high risk countries, and babies born in cities where population has migrated from high risk countries.
3. CNS tuberculosis, less good at preventing respiratory disease.