Frequency of BCG vaccination in children with tuberculous meningitis at Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad.

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the frequency of BCG vaccination in children with tuberculous meningitis of age 01 to 12 years at Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad. Study Design: Cross sectional descriptive study. Setting: Department of Pediatrics, Liaquat University Hospital, Jamshoro / Hyderabad. Period: Six months from 20-08-2016 to 20-02-2017. Material and Methods: A total of 189 children with history of fever (axillary temperature >37.2°C) for ≥14 days duration with presentation, CT scan and CSF findings consistent with tuberculous meningitis were selected in this study. The data was collected on pre-structured proforma (attached). Results: There were 86(45.5%) male and 103(54.5%) female. Frequency of BCG vaccination in children with tuberculosis meningitis was found in 130(68.78%) cases. Conclusion: Our results show effectiveness of BCG vaccine in preventing TBM. Regardless of the protective efficacy of BCG in preventing pulmonary tuberculosis, in areas in which tuberculosis affects a significant percentage of the population, continued use of BCG may be warranted to prevent tuberculous meningitis.