1 Department of Pediatrics, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Fifteen cases of generalized tuberculosis in Bantu children are described. Though this condition is not uncommon in the Bantu, it is rare in white people and the literature on the subject is relatively scanty.
The superficial glands may be markedly enlarged, especially cervical and axillary glands, but occasionally inguinal as well; hilar, paratracheal and intra-abdominal glands may all be involved. In three patients in this series the primary focus was roentgenographically demonstrable in the lungs. There was no evidence in any patient of multiple primary foci.
Two patients had miliary tuberculosis and tuberculous meningitis and died, but in uncomplicated cases the response to chemotherapy with isoniazid and paraaminosalicylic acid is good. In the course of healing, some glands may suppurate, requiring surgical drainage and irrigation with a solution of streptokinase and streptodornase.
The condition is believed to result from lymphohematogenous spread but the reason for this phenomenon is unknown. The condition appears to be generally more common among Negroes.
Submitted on September 17, 1958