Chest X-rays of children in contact with patient’s smear-positive tuberculosis in Mashhad

Document Type : Original article

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Infectious disease, MMS.C, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran

2 Ph.D in Medicine, Mashhad Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran

10.22038/nnj.2025.79982.1450

Abstract

Background and Aims: Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease. Early diagnosis is difficult, and a delay in diagnosis and treatment causes complications and death, especially in children. We aimed to evaluate the chest X-rays of children in contact with smear-positive TB patients in Mashhad.
Materials and Methods: This study was on 52 children in contact with smear-positive TB. We recorded the demographic information and the chest X-ray findings after obtaining the consent of the parents of the patients. Data using chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests were compared.
Results: Our study showed that 38.4% of radiological findings were abnormal. The most common radiological findings were reticular infiltration (21.2%), consolidation (9.6%), and hilar lymphadenopathy (7.7%). Reticular infiltration was significantly more common in children younger than three years old.
Conclusion: All exposed children must undergo X-rays and TB diagnostic tests. The proper and timely diagnosis with treatment reduces the disease burden on individuals and society. Reticular infiltration should be important in children, especially those under three years old who have been in contact with a TB smear-positive.

Keywords

References

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Navid No
Volume 28, Issue 93
June 2025
Pages 24-31

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