A study conducted at the Armed Forces Medical College has revealed that there is a high prevalence of childhood tuberculosis among children below four years of age and malnutrition and low resistance to the disease still constitute among the risk factors.

Despite the introduction of directly observed treatment short course (DOTS) strategy, it still contributes significantly to the mortality and morbidity in children. According to WHO, one third of the world’s population is infected with tuberculosis. There are more than 1.8 million new cases of tuberculosis in India every year of which children constitute about 6-8 per cent. Primary tubercular infection can occur at any age, but children are most often affected in areas of high prevalence and high population density.

At AFMC, researchers evaluated the impact of BCG vaccination on childhood tuberculosis and the underlying risk factors among 100 children. They found that there was a high incidence of neuro-tuberculosis in BCG unvaccinated group.

The research, published in the November issue of the Armed Forces Journal of India, highlights th risk factors as poor socio-economic status, malnutrition and poor immunisation coverage.

Around 100 children, below 12 years of age suffering from various forms of tuberculosis since January 2007, participated in the study. Of 100 cases of childhood tuberculosis, there were 77 BCG vaccinated and 23 unvaccinated children. Majority (42 per cent) were less than four years, followed by 35 per cent in 5 to 8 years of age. There were 45 male and 55 female patients. Prevalence of disease was more in low socioeconomic status (62 per cent) and malnourished children (61per cent).

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