Comparison of diagnostic BCG Test with Mantoux Test in Children with suspicion of Tuberculosis

Abstract

The incidence of TB is increasing at an alarming rate in Pakistan as indicated by WHO 1997. The BCG test has been proved as a rapid, reliable and cost-effective test in children in many international studies. The BCG test has superiority over Mantoux test in children with severe malnutrition and TBM. The BCG test was positive in (80%) patients while Mantoux test was positive in 50% patients. The BCG test was positive in all patients where Mantoux test was positive. Thirty one patients had BCG test positive where Mantoux test was negative. Majority of the patients with positive BCG test (85%) were severely malnourished while Mantoux test was positive in only 15.6% of such cases. Most of BCG test positive children were below 5 years of age. In Tuberculous meningitis(TBM),BCG test was more (86%) conclusive than Mantoux test (14%). All patients with positive Mantoux test also had positive BCG test. In pulmonary TB, 40(91%) patients were BCG test positive as compared to positive Mantoux test (45%). All patients with positive Mantoux test also had positive BCG test.