[Screening of children residing in the same household as patients with contagious tuberculosis].

INTRODUCTION

Children are particularly vulnerable to tuberculosis. We report on the results of screenings conducted among children residing in tuberculosis patients' households.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This was a retrospective study conducted at the Alpes-Maritimes tuberculosis control centre between January 2023 and December 2025.

RESULTS

During this period, 60 children were screened across 36 different contact investigations. All of them shared a household with the index case (IC). Median age was 8 years, with 27 boys and 33 girls. Among the 60 children, screening identified 12 (20%) cases of active tuberculosis (TB disease) and 21 (35%) cases of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Risk factors (P<0.05) for TB disease were age<5 years and sleeping in the same room as the IC. Risk factors (P<0.05) for LTBI were a positive sputum smear and/or cavitation in the IC, and another case of TB disease or LTBI within the household.

CONCLUSION

Children residing in the same household as patients with contagious pulmonary tuberculosis bear a substantial burden regarding this contagious disease.