KARACHI, Aug 4: Tuberculosis (TB) in children is caused by the inhalation of bacteria, which are disseminated into the air during coughing by patients having TB of the lungs.

This was stated by Dr S. Qamar Nizami, consultant paediatrician at the Aga Khan University Hospital, while giving a presentation on “childhood tuberculosis” at a monthly public health awareness programme known as “signs, symptoms and care,” on Saturday. From the lungs, the disease spreads to other organs of the body including the brain, abdomen, kidney, bones and joints.

Dr Nizami explained that TB in children is difficult to diagnose but is treatable. The disease is caused by a bacterium known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is spread by adults suffering from TB of the lungs called pulmonary tuberculosis. The bacteria are disseminated into the air, which are then inhaled by others. Infected children first get pulmonary tuberculosis, which is different from adult TB and is called primary complex.

In most cases it heals completely, but in certain children it may produce various signs and symptoms. From the lungs, the disease spreads to other organs and results in abdominal tuberculosis, tuberculosis meningitis, tuberculosis arthritis or tuberculosis of the kidneys. The symptoms of TB are often non-specific and include persistent fever, lack of appetite, or weight loss.

Dr Nizami explained that, “In children, it is often difficult to isolate the bacteria, as children usually do not produce sputum. A high degree of suspicion is needed to diagnose tuberculosis in children. The tests which are used to diagnose TB depend upon the site of infection, X-rays of (the) chest and other parts of the body, CT scan, biopsy of tissues and culture, etc.”

He concluded on a positive note, informing that “the treatment is simple and easy. Most cases need six to eight months treatment. The drugs need to be taken regularly in spite of improvement in (the) condition. This is important as failure to complete the treatment results in drug resistance and relapse of the disease. The drugs include INH, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, ethambutol (and) streptomycin.”

Other speakers and panelists included Dr A. Gaffar Billoo, Dr Ayesha Mirza and Dr Shabina Arif. They participated in the question and answer session at the end of the programme.—APP