Tuberculosis in children in 1992.

In children, as in adults, tuberculosis is much commoner among minority population groups, in Louisiana particularly among blacks. Since 1986 tuberculosis in some states has increased notably; in Louisiana the increase is only now, in 1992, becoming apparent. Eighteen new cases in children under 20 were reported in 1991. Diagnosis in children still depends largely on history of contact and on the Mantoux tuberculin test. Treatment has changed markedly to a more intensive 6 month course including three or four drugs. Preventive treatment of tuberculin positive children is particularly emphasized because it will play an important role in achieving the stated public health goal of elimination of tuberculosis by the year 2010. With the increasing number of children exposed to tuberculosis, the increasing number of HIV-positive children at risk, and the rising number of multiresistant tubercle bacilli, vaccination with BCG must be considered.