Does a positive MT test confirm tuberculosis in a child?

Question

Hello doctor,

I need to know whether my child is affected by TB or bronchitis? I have attached his ESR, blood test, TST and chest X-ray. Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have seen the reports. (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

The very first thing why you suspected that your child may have TB (tuberculosis)? What are the problems he is having like prolonged cough, are any swelling in the neck or any contact with a person who is known for lung TB?

Looking at his weight, he seems to be growing well. Except for MT (Mantoux tuberculin test) which 15 mm positive, all other tests are normal, X-ray findings are non-specific. Best if you can get his sputum test to isolate germs (in this age group it is done by gastric lavage), or if he has significantly large glands in his neck, then a needle biopsy of the gland which a safe and easy procedure. There is a very fast and accurate test known as PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to confirm the presence of TB germs. If there is a contact with a confirmed case of lung TB, then with this MT result, you need to start medication.

I hope this helps.