Tuberculous Meningitis in Children in Russia: Diagnostic Features and Clinical Observations

Abstract

Results and Discussion: The number of cases of tuberculous meningitis in children in Russia decreased from 51 to 13 per year from 2000 to 2016. In St. Petersburg, from 2005 to 2016 there were 7 registered cases; 4 died, 3 survived. Predisposing factors of development of tuberculous meningitis were young age, presence of tuberculosis in the family, absence of BCG vaccination, and unfavorable social conditions. Three out of 7 children infected with HIV developed tuberculosis. However, a low frequency of cases has led to absence of phthisis vigilance, delayed diagnosis and deaths. Two illustrative cases are presented from clinical practice.