The treatment of primary tuberculosis in infancy

Abstract

Summary 1. The management of the infant under one year with primary pulmonary tuberculosis has received inadequate attention in the past. 2. The malignant forms of progressive primary tuberculosis, i.e., miliary tuberculosis and tuberculous meningitis, occur with greatest frequency during infancy, and should be prevented whenever possible. 3. All infants and children should routinely be tested with tuberculin in order to detect early the presence of primary tuberculosis. 4. BCG should be given to those likely to be exposed to tuberculosis. 5. Infants with a positive tuberculin and negative x-ray findings should receive a course of INH. 6. Infants with a positive tuberculin and positive x-ray findings should receive INH and streptomycin sulfate.