The burden and outcomes of childhood tuberculosis in Cotonou, Benin.

SETTING

The National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) and the paediatric ward of the General Hospital (GH), Cotonou, Benin.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the burden of tuberculosis (TB), characteristics and outcomes among children treated in Cotonou from 2009 to 2011.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional cohort study consisting of a retrospective record review of all children with TB aged <15 years.

RESULTS

From 2009 to 2011, 182 children with TB were diagnosed and treated (4.5% of total cases), 153 (84%) by the NTP and 29 (16%) by the GH; the latter were not notified to the NTP. The incidence rate of notified TB cases was between 8 and 13 per 100 000 population, and was higher in children aged >5 years. Of 167 children tested, 29% were HIV-positive. Treatment success was 72% overall, with success rates of 86%, 62% and 74%, respectively, among sputum smear-positive, sputum smear-negative and extra-pulmonary patients. Treatment success rates were lower in children with sputum smear-negative TB (62%) and those with HIV infection (58%).

CONCLUSION

The number of children being treated for TB is low, and younger children in particular are underdiagnosed. There is a need to improve the diagnosis of childhood TB, especially among younger children, and to improve treatment outcomes among HIV-TB infected children, with better follow-up and monitoring.