An overview of the prevalence of BCG lymphadenitis among infants registered in consulter clinic for chest and respiratory diseases, Kirkuk, Iraq

Abstract

Abstract Background: Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) lymphadenitis is one of the uncommon complications of BCG vaccination among infants, as it may lead to many serious problems as fistula or disseminated infection. Objectives: The study aimed to show the distribution of BCG lymphadenitis among vaccinated infants along the past 5 years who were diagnosed and managed in tuberculosis (TB) center. Materials and Methods: An observational study was carried out including 22 infants of both sexes who had BCG lymphadenitis. The diagnosis was made either clinically or it used polymerase chain reaction to examine the suppression, and biopsy was applied for indicated cases. All cases were managed by anti-TB and no death was reported. Results: The results showed male predominance ratio of 2:1. Regarding the latent period between the time of vaccination and appearance of the symptoms; the highest number was between 1 and 2 months (45.5%) whereas the lowest was in the group of 7–9 months following vaccination (4.5%). The results also found high incidence rate of BCG lymphadenitis (1.5%), among the infants. The high occurrence of TB lymphadenitis in the study may indicate many reasons, the most frequent being the dose of the vaccine and the wrong technique. Conclusion: It was concluded from results of the study that it is necessary to follow-up infants, and check for the appearance of lymphadenitis and to inform parents to present the baby to the TB center as soon as possible if any complications were observed.