Overview
Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a gram-positive bacteria with slow growth rate that is enhanced by 6-8% carbon dioxide and temperature of 35-40ºC. It is primarily transmitted through airborne route.
TB infection in children is usually obtained from an infectious adolescent or adult depending on the closeness and length of their contact, and the index case’s severity of lung involvement and infectiousness.
Choice of treatment regimen depends on the extent of TB disease, the host, possibility of drug resistance. Treatment consists of the intensive phase where actively dividing organisms are efficiently killed and bacillary populations are greatly reduced, and the continuation phase which kills organisms irregularly and slowly, and sterilizes lesions and prevents relapse. Intensive phase provides symptom relief, termination of transmission, and prevention of emergence of drug resistance.
For further information regarding the management of Tuberculosis - Pulmonary (Pediatric), please refer to Disease Algorithm for the Treatment Guideline.
TB infection in children is usually obtained from an infectious adolescent or adult depending on the closeness and length of their contact, and the index case’s severity of lung involvement and infectiousness.
Choice of treatment regimen depends on the extent of TB disease, the host, possibility of drug resistance. Treatment consists of the intensive phase where actively dividing organisms are efficiently killed and bacillary populations are greatly reduced, and the continuation phase which kills organisms irregularly and slowly, and sterilizes lesions and prevents relapse. Intensive phase provides symptom relief, termination of transmission, and prevention of emergence of drug resistance.
For further information regarding the management of Tuberculosis - Pulmonary (Pediatric), please refer to Disease Algorithm for the Treatment Guideline.
