Active tuberculosis among adolescents in a high endemic area

Abstract

Pediatric tuberculosis (TB) reflects the epidemic level of tuberculosis in the territory and is an important tool for the evaluation of the annual risk of TB infection. Adolescents are a special category of population, in which TB could share both, child and adult features.

Objective: evaluation of the clinicopathological characteristics of adolescent patients diagnosed with tuberculosis in Constanta county, Romania.

Materials and methods: We analyzed data of 41 adolescents from 101 patients with active TB, who were admitted in Pediatrics Department, in the last 2 years. The diagnosis was sustain by positive bacteriological exam for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, suggestive chest X-ray, positive tuberculin skin test, history of TB close contact, and simptoms consistent with active TB.

Results: Of the 101 cases diagnosed with pediatric TB, 41(40.5%) were aged between 15-18 years. 21 (51%) of adolescents were male, and 18 patients (43.9%) were smokers. The contact source was detected in 18 patients (43.9%). The majority of patients (86%) presented symptoms. TST was found positive in 28 cases (68%). Chest X-ray revealed elements of primary TB in 6 patients, pleural effusion in 13 patients, primo-secundary TB in 2 patients, and secondary TB forms in 20 patients. 14 patients (34%) were acid-fast bacilli smear positive, and positive cultures for MTB were found in 27 cases (65.8). All subjects received the first regimen of anti-TB treatment.

Conclusion: Despite the fact that adolescents are considered a pediatric population, they share more similar clinical, radiological and bacteriological TB pattern with the adult population. The TB control programs should pay more attention to prevention and treatment of TB in this age group.