Childhood tuberculosis in Lambaréné, Gabon: tuberculosis control in its infancy?

Infection. 2014 Feb;42(1):161-4. doi: 10.1007/s15010-013-0529-5. Epub 2013 Sep 14.

Abstract

Central Africa is a region highly affected by the tuberculosis (TB) pandemic; however, data on local epidemiology are scarce. In the quest for gearing up towards tailored interventions, assessment of local baseline situations is mandatory. We conducted a retrospective study of 62 children registered in the TB register of a hospital in Lambaréné, Gabon. The evaluation revealed a discrepancy between the TB burden and the commitment to control TB. Extrapolation of the incidence suggests an unexpectedly high childhood TB burden, assuming that the official overall TB incidence is an underestimate of the true TB burden in Gabon.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Communicable Disease Control / methods*
  • Communicable Disease Control / organization & administration*
  • Female
  • Gabon / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tuberculosis / epidemiology*
  • Tuberculosis / prevention & control*