[Tuberculosis in children].

Children tuberculosis accounts for 5.5% of the declared cases of tuberculosis in France. Tuberculosis in children is always due to recent contamination from an adult. Survey of tuberculosis in children is a good indicator of the Koch's bacillus spread. Age is an important risk factor for an infected child to develop tuberculous disease. Estimated risk is 43% under 1 year of age, 24% between 1 and 5 years of age, 16% in teenagers. The risk to develop severe disease (miliary, meningitis) is higher in infants. Teenagers may have a rapidly evolutive form. Diagnosis of tuberculosis in children is difficult. One has to keep in mind this diagnosis which must be assessed by tuberculin skin test, radiologic exams and bacteriological sampling. The proof of tuberculosis is rare in children: direct examination of gastric fluid is positive only in 20% of cases or less; culture is positive only in 50% of cases or less. Infection and disease have to be treated in children. The search of the index case is mandatory.