Can a Child Be Infected Again After Preventive TB Treatment?

Q: Can a Child Be Infected Again After Preventive TB Treatment?

Hello： If a family member has a recurrence of pulmonary tuberculosis and you are still a close contact, there is still a possibility of transmission. <br>Should preventive medication be administered, is it necessary to conduct another examination and assessment, while also paying

If a person who has previously received preventive treatment for tuberculosis (TB) experiences a relapse of the infection, can they still transmit the disease?

Hello Doctor: My mother was diagnosed with open pulmonary tuberculosis last year and was cured after six months of treatment.
At that time, my child (about 4 years old) tested positive for the tuberculosis skin test, so the child also received preventive medication for nine months as per the doctor's advice.
Recently, my mother returned to the hospital due to a cough lasting over three weeks, loss of appetite, and shortness of breath.
After an X-ray, the doctor found that the area of her lungs that previously had tuberculosis now appears white, leading the doctor to suspect a possible recurrence of tuberculosis, but pneumonia cannot be ruled out.
Therefore, antibiotics have been prescribed, and we are currently waiting for the sputum report results next week.
I would like to ask, if the sputum report indicates that my mother has a recurrence of tuberculosis, will my child (who has already received preventive medication) still be at risk of infection? If so, would we need to start another nine months of medication? This must be very harmful to my child's health, right? We are all very worried right now.

Kitty, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/05/12

Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology

Hello: If a family member has a recurrence of pulmonary tuberculosis and you are still a close contact, there is still a possibility of transmission.
Should preventive medication be administered, is it necessary to conduct another examination and assessment, while also paying attention to whether the original patient has any drug resistance?

Reply Date: 2016/05/12

More Info

When it comes to tuberculosis (TB), particularly in the context of your concerns regarding your mother’s potential relapse and your child's previous preventive treatment, it’s important to understand several key aspects of TB transmission and treatment.

Firstly, even after a child has undergone preventive treatment for TB, there remains a possibility of reinfection, especially if they are in close contact with someone who has active TB. In your case, if your mother is confirmed to have a relapse of active TB, your child could potentially be at risk of being infected again, despite having completed a nine-month course of preventive medication. This is particularly true if your child was in close proximity to your mother during the time she was infectious.

Preventive treatment, often referred to as isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT), is designed to reduce the risk of developing active TB in individuals who have been exposed to the bacteria but are not yet symptomatic. However, it does not provide lifelong immunity. Therefore, if your mother’s TB is confirmed to be active, it is crucial to assess the risk of transmission to your child. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children who have been in close contact with someone with active TB should be evaluated and may need to undergo additional preventive treatment, depending on their risk factors and the results of their TB tests.

Regarding your concern about the potential need for your child to undergo another nine months of medication, this would depend on several factors, including the results of your child's TB skin test or interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) and the assessment of whether your child has been infected with the TB bacteria again. If your child tests positive for TB infection after your mother’s relapse, a healthcare provider may recommend a new course of preventive treatment, but the duration and type of medication may vary based on current guidelines and the child’s health status.

It’s understandable to be worried about the implications of additional medication on your child's health. TB medications, while generally safe, can have side effects, and the decision to treat should always involve a careful consideration of the risks and benefits. Pediatricians and infectious disease specialists can provide guidance tailored to your child's specific situation, including monitoring for any side effects during treatment.

In summary, if your mother is confirmed to have a relapse of TB, it is essential to have your child evaluated by a healthcare professional. They will determine the need for further testing and possibly additional preventive treatment. Open communication with your healthcare provider is key to ensuring the best outcomes for both your mother and your child. It’s also important to maintain good hygiene practices and minimize close contact until you have clarity on the situation, as this can help reduce the risk of transmission.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Tuberculosis Treatment in Young Children: Risks and Concerns

Hello, Doctor! My father was diagnosed with open pulmonary tuberculosis in June of this year, and he has been cured for a month now. He has been taking his medication regularly and attending follow-up appointments. The doctor mentioned that his infectiousness has significantly de...

Dr. Jian Shuntian reply Pulmonology
A child over 1 year old has a 2 cm positive tuberculin skin test, which is considered strongly positive, indicating a significant risk of developing tuberculosis. It is recommended that the child undergo 270 days of preventive treatment with isoniazid (INH). The likelihood of sid...

Can Tuberculosis Still Be Contagious After Completing Treatment?

My father-in-law has tuberculosis but has completed his medication treatment and is currently going to the hospital for regular check-ups and follow-ups. My child is currently over three months old, and my father-in-law kissed the baby's mouth while playing with him. Is ther...

Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: After completing treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis, the chance of relapse is less than 5%. If regular follow-up chest X-rays show stability and there are no symptoms such as fever or significant cough with sputum, you should be treated like a normal person, and there wi...

Understanding Tuberculosis Testing and Preventive Treatment for Young Children

Hello, Doctor. I would like to inquire about the tuberculosis (TB) testing and the use of preventive medication for young children. My child is currently 1 year and 4 months old, and we live in Australia. We returned to Taiwan from December 31 to February 4 last year. Last week, ...

Dr. Zhang Ziyan reply Pulmonology
Hello Ann, here are the answers to your questions: 1. Currently in Taiwan, only contacts of tuberculosis (TB) patients undergo the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), unless there is a specific history of exposure or suspicion of active disease. 2. Clinically, a nine-month treatment reg...

Is There a Risk of Tuberculosis Recurrence After Many Years?

Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about an 83-year-old uncle who reported that he contracted tuberculosis (TB) at around the age of 19. He underwent standard treatment and was isolated for three years. Given that so much time has passed, is there still a risk of transmitting tub...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, targeted therapy usually refers to cancer treatment. It is estimated that this gentleman is receiving the standard 6-9 months of treatment for tuberculosis. In Taiwan, health authorities typically monitor patients until they complete their treatment. As long as there is su...