How to conduct a screening of tuberculosis in children with a household contact

<b>Introduction:</b> Tuberculosis (TB) is a public health problem. It occurs at a higher frequency and with greater virulence in children. Screening have been shown to be effective in further reducing TB incidence. The aim of this study, is to describe and analyze the Screening means of tuberculosis in children <b>Methods:</b> We retrospectively studied data of 200 children referred to our TB screening consultation, in pediatric pulmonology department, from January 2014 to January 2017. Children in household contact with a TB index case, were screened for TBI or LTBI. <b>Results:</b> The mean age was 42,3 months. The TB contact was the father in most cases (32,5%). Only 2 children weren’t yet BCG vaccinated. Children suffer from cough in 18% of cases and lymphadenopathy in 11%. Physical examination showed fever in 1,5% of children and lymphadenopathy in 17% of cases. Nineteen percent had abnormal x-rays. Ninety four per cent of cases had tuberculin skin test (TST). It was positive in 41% of cases. Six per cent of cases had a gastrictubing, 17,5% aninduced sputum, 15% a bronchial fibroscopy and 9% a chest CT. TB disease was found in 9, 5% of cases. Latent TB infection was found in 32,5 % of cases. 74% of cases had chemoprophylaxis. <b>Conclusion:</b> Every child referred for TB screening should have a clinical examination, a chest X-ray, and a TST. Other more invasive investigations should be requested at the least clinical or radiological doubt.