Tuberculosis infection in a paediatric department.

Sputum-positive tuberculosis was diagnosed in a member of the medical staff of a paediatric department. Four children were infected, all suffering from debilitating diseases. Three of them had evidence of pulmonary tuberculosis. Eighty-two infants in the baby care unit during the eight weeks before the diagnosis of the index case were given insurance isoniazid treatment. None developed tuberculosis. Whereas nearly all the non-medical adult contacts were traced and examined, fewer than half the medical contacts attended for chest radiography. All babies in the pre-allergic phase of contact, and all children whose natural immunity is likely to be depressed, should receive antituberculosis insurance chemotheraphy.