[The investigation of the contacts of the tuberculous pediatric patient].

BACKGROUND

Results of contacts investigation of tuberculous pediatric patients, usually non-infectious, are shown. Their relationship to the clinical situation on index case and the intimacy of exposure is analyzed.

METHODS

714 contacts of 111 pediatric cases (53 category II and 58 category III, according to the American Thoracic Society classification). The tuberculin skin test with 2 units of PPD-RT23 was used to identify the infected persons. Chest radiography, sputum smear and culture examination were used to diagnose current pulmonary disease. According to the intimacy of exposure to index case, contacts were defined as household, close or sporadic contacts. The possible association with clinical situation of index case and intimacy of exposure was analyzed.

RESULTS

41 new cases of tuberculosis were detected, 7 of them were infectious. Prevalence of tuberculous infection among contacts was 44%. Quimioprofilaxis was indicated to 126 contacts. The prevalences of infection and disease according to clinical situation and degree of contact did not differ significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

it is advisable to investigate the contacts of tuberculous pediatric patients, even in cases of tuberculous infection without disease; the investigation must include close and sporadic contacts.