Contact screening of children exposed to active pulmonary tuberculosis: A hospital-based study in Navi Mumbai, India

Abstract

Abstract Background: Contact investigation is a proactive method employed for active case-finding to improve the detection of active tuberculosis (TB) cases, constituting a crucial component of National TB Programs. Household contacts face a higher exposure risk than individuals in the general population. Although integrated into national policy, the execution of contact investigations is not regularly undertaken, and the outcomes of these investigations are inadequately characterized. Objective: To evaluate risk factors and determine the occurrence of TB disease among household contacts of individuals diagnosed with sputum smear-positive TB in Kamothe, Navi Mumbai, India. Materials and Methods: From December 2018 to November 2020, active screening was carried out for 120 household contact children aged up to 18 years, linked to 52 index cases receiving care at MGM Medical College and Hospital in Navi Mumbai, India. Results: Out of the 120 screened children, 10 (8.3%) showed symptoms, whereas 110 (91.6%) were asymptomatic. Among those exhibiting symptoms, 5 (50%) had abnormal chest X-ray findings. The diagnosis of TB was established in eight cases, including five with pulmonary TB, two with lymph node TB, and one with central nervous system TB. All confirmed TB-positive cases underwent antitubercular treatment, with children under 5 years receiving Isoniazid Preventive Therapy. Conclusion: The study resulted in a 6.67% incidence rate, offering an opportunity to initiate chemoprophylaxis among children. This research identified risk factors associated with the development of TB disease, encompassing female gender, underweight status, residing in crowded conditions, prolonged contact, and extended duration of exposure.