Tuberculosis infection in childhood: 1983-1989 casuistic

Abstract

83 cases of tuberculosis in infancy are reviewed between january 1983 and july 1989. The incidence of tuberculosis ranged from 2.5 to 11.7 per 1000 children hospitalised and ranged from 2.5 to 11.7 per 1000 children hospitalised and ranged from 5.5 to 22.4 in 1000 visits. The average age of the children was 6.8 years with a sligth predominance of females (51 %) over males. 9.6 % of the cases corresponded to tuberculous meningitis. Mantoux's test proved positive (wheal > 6 mm) in 77 cases (93.9 %). The average size of the wheal was 14.3 mm. The source case was found in relatives always, in 40.9 % of the children. Mortality occurred in the cases of tuberculous meningitis, and was 2.4 %.