The main method for examining children for tuberculosis remains the
Mantoux vaccine. The norm in a child is not a very swollen “button” of a red tint and a certain size.
What it is
This is a reaction of human immunity to the introduction of tuberculin. The inflamed injection site (“button” or papule) is measured with a ruler. This reveals the tension of the body's immune system to tubercle bacillus. All healthy children undergo a similar examination. And already in the first year of his life. A controversial point arises in the discussion of what the Mantoux vaccine should be with the originality of the child's body. It was proved that a false negative reaction to the Mantoux test is a feature of the development of the immune system. In other words, up to six months, the child does not adequately respond to such manipulations. However, today the first Mantoux vaccine is given at 1 year if the newborn has been exposed to BCG vaccine.
Papula and her care
During the Mantoux reaction, the appearance of redness, the formation of a “button” (plaque) is considered the norm. This is a specific inflammation in response to tuberculin. You should adhere to some rules for caring for this area of the skin. In no case should you treat the papule with an antiseptic. Before being examined by a medical professional, do not soak in water, avoid contact with a humid environment. Regarding the “prudent” mothers, who, in order to protect them from contact with liquids, glue the “button” with adhesive tape: in no case should this be done, the skin underneath will necessarily sweat! It is necessary to ensure that the baby does not scratch the itchy plaque. Perhaps the formation of a sore or abscess. After an effective inspection, they are processed in the most traditional ways.
If a Mantoux vaccine is given
The norm in the child or there is cause for concern - how to understand? Wrong indicators give infectious diseases transferred shortly before vaccination, a certain age, immunity to mycobacteria, as well as the presence of worms.
It is possible that a violation of the storage or transportation of the drug can provoke significant errors in tuberculin diagnostics. The coincidence of such factors is likely. And the positive reaction that the Mantoux vaccination will show is the norm in a child with a weakened immune system.
The behavior of the baby after the introduction of the reagent is very individual. The condition can range from general drowsiness to fever and an upset gastrointestinal tract. It is important to understand that they do not put Mantoux on the same day with other vaccinations (either before or after, after a month).
Reading Sample Results
Mantoux vaccine is given in 1 year. Three days later, the injection site of tuberculin is examined. The skin on the test site is usually tightened. The rounded area is noticeable when you hold it with your finger. Its size depends on the number in the body of immune cells that resist tubercle bacilli. The more of them, the greater the compaction.
A transparent ruler makes transverse measurement. Only condensation is taken into account, without redness around. But in the absence of a “button”, data is recorded for the entire site that appears.
- Lack of compaction or reaction in 0-1 mm. This result is in the nature of a negative reaction.
- Indicators from 2 to 4 mm inclusive with manifest redness is a dubious reaction.
- Positive reaction - with a seal diameter of 5 mm or more.
It is necessary to take into account a variety of such a reaction:
- slightly positive has a size of 5-10 mm;
- markedly positive 11-16 mm;
- hyperergic (size over 17 mm).
We can definitely say that after the Mantoux vaccine is given, the norm in the child (negative reaction) will be detected in the absence of the disease. Deviations from the norm require further examination of the baby.