Tuberculosis

Most TB cases in children are seen in those under the age of 5 years old and in adolescents aged 10 to 14 years old. Children with weakened immune systems (especially those with HIV) are at high risk for developing TB disease, but it can occur in children with no other health problems. 

There are two types of tuberculosis: 

• Latent tuberculosis infection. Children with latent TB infection have TB bacteria infecting their bodies but not multiplying rapidly and causing disease. These children are not infectious and cannot spread TB bacteria to others. They have no symptoms of illness but are at high risk for developing TB disease if they are not treated for the infection.
• Tuberculosis disease. Children typically develop TB disease within two years of being infected. They are sick from TB bacteria that multiply rapidly, spread and damage organs and tissues. In children with TB disease, the bacteria cause symptoms and can spread to others. 

Common symptoms of TB disease include:

• A cough with mucus from the lungs for more than three weeks
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Fever, chills and night sweats
• Fatigue and weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Swollen lymph nodes

Diagnosis of Tuberculosis

The most common test for diagnosing tuberculosis is a TB skin test. For this test, a small amount of TB protein (antigens) is placed under the top layer of skin on your child’s inner forearm. A positive result indicates TB infection. In children 5 years old or older, blood tests can also be used to diagnose TB infection. Children with TB infection documented by a skin or blood test must have a full physical exam and chest X-ray completed to evaluate for TB disease in the lungs.