|
ISSN 0973 - 0958
Infectious Disease through
Bacteria
Infectious Disease through
Parasites
Translate this page
TUBERCULOSIS
How is the diagnosis of TB made ?
Tuberculin test is a skin test where an injection of modified TB vaccine is injected in a minute dose in the skin. The test is then read after 48 hours. A positive test suggests that the person had an
infection by TB which may be silent primary disease or may be due to progressive disease.
However, a negative test does not exclude TB. In 25-50% of children with TB, the test may be negative.
Others laboratory tests such as X-ray of the chest is necessary. The TB bacterium can be isolated from sputum or other body fluids. Most important in children is to find the adult source of TB in the family as TB in children is usually due to inhalation of the germs from an adult infected patient.
Others laboratory tests such as X-ray of the chest is necessary. The TB bacterium can be isolated from sputum or other body fluids. Most important in children is to find the adult source of TB in the family as TB in children is usually due to inhalation of the germs from an adult infected patient.
What is the treatment of Tuberculosis ?
Tuberculosis is a chronic disease and requires effective treatment to prevent complications. There are certain antituberculous drugs ( ATT / AKT ) that are used in treatment of TB such as Streptomycin, Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide and Ethambutol. All these drugs are required for a prolonged period of time for the treatment to be effective. These drugs have side effects involving liver, ear, eyes and kidney and hence monitoring for these side effects is essential. The duration of treatment varies from 6-12 months depending on the type and severity of TB.
If any adult family member has TB, is treatment for TB required
in the child?
in the child?
Children less than 5 years who have malnutrition and are in close contact with an adult who has open TB ( the adult coughs out the TB bacteria and has a cavity in the lungs ) need to be given Anti-TB drugs for 4-6 months. The objective is to prevent tuberculous infection and its progression.
What if the standard drugs for TB failed to control the infection?
Drug-resistant TB is fairly rare. However in a few instances the standard drugs may not work and other alternate drugs such as PAS, Kanamycin, Ofloxacin, ethionamide may be required depending on whether the TB bacterium is sensitive to the drugs. Here the duration of treatment would be even more extensive.
Last created on 1-5-2006
Last updated on 18-11-2006
Last created on 1-5-2006
Last updated on 18-11-2006
Infectious Disease in Children Specialist
Answer
Infectious Disease through Virus
AIDS and HIV
Disclaimer:
The information given by www.pediatriconcall.com is provided by medical and paramedical & Health providers voluntarily for display & is meant only for informational purpose. The site does not guarantee the accuracy or authenticity of the information. Use of any information is solely at the user's own risk. The appearance of advertisement or product information in the various section in the website does not constitute an endorsement or approval by Pediatric Oncall of the quality or value of the said product or of claims made by its manufacturer.
copyright ©2011 website design & development by Levioza
