TB remains most infectious disease among children

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the most infectious diseases among children in Indonesia including in Denpasar, often going undetected and neglected by parents and pediatricians.

IGN Wibawa, chairman of Denpasar chapter of the Indonesian Tuberculosis Prevention and Eradication Association (PPTI), said the number of children who had tuberculosis had increased. “Most children contracted the disease from their parents, who did not take them for medical examinations,” explained Wibawa.

A vast number of children infected remain undiagnosed, creating a reservoir of future adult’s with the disease, he said.

Diagnosis is difficult in children. It is often delayed as early symptoms of tuberculosis in children are symptoms of common viruses.

Lung TB is particularly difficult to diagnose early as children’s lungs react differently than adults, and they have little or no cough (thus not being able to provide sputum for testing). Even if produced, it can only be detected through a microscopical examination, he added.

“Children are easily infected as they are frequently mingling with friends and adults. Most TB cases in children are found in heavily dense areas and places with poor sanitation,” Wibawa said.

It has been estimated that one third of the world’s population is infected with TB, and an estimated 20-50 percent of children who live in households where an adult has active tuberculosis become infected. Children are especially vulnerable to infection from households as they are experience closer contact with family members.