[Tuberculosis in African children: epidemiologic, clinical and therapeutic aspects (corrected)].

In the last 10 years since world health assembly declared re-emergence of tuberculosis to be a worldwide emergency, most countries have initiated control strategies based on the recommendations of the World Health Organization. Implementation of national control programs has not only been encouraged but also become a necessity in the face of the constantly increasing number of cases and HIV epidemic. Diagnosis of tuberculosis in children is difficult and reliable estimation of prevalence is difficult. The purpose of this study was to analyze diagnostic criteria in 1128 children in Algiers, Algeria. Short-course chemotherapy was also evaluated. A prospective study in 733 children showed that 6-month regimes administered in the framework of a national program are effective and led to few complications. Short-course treatment also promotes better patient compliance. Consideration was also given to prophylactic treatment for contact children and adverse reactions to BCG.