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The Tuberculosis Program at Boston Children's Hospital cares for children who may be infected with tuberculosis (TB). Located on the eighth and 10th floors of the Fegan Building, our program provides comprehensive services ranging from evaluation and diagnosis to treatment and patient education.

Our expertise

Our program offers initial assessment for children who may have tuberculosis or have been exposed to tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs, but can also involve other organs such as the kidneys, spine, or brain. It spreads through the air when a person with active TB coughs or sneezes.

The main cause of TB is Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Most people with TB infection never develop active disease, but those with weakened immune systems — such as people with HIV, diabetes, or those taking immune-suppressing medications — are at higher risk. Young children are also more likely to develop serious complications like meningitis.

TB generally progresses through three stages:

  • Exposure: The person has been near someone with TB but has a negative TB test, normal chest X-ray, and no symptoms.
  • Latent TB infection: The bacteria are present but inactive. The person feels well, is not contagious, and usually has a positive TB test with a normal chest X-ray.
  • Active TB disease: The bacteria are multiplying and causing illness. The person shows symptoms, can spread TB to others, and has positive TB test results.

Patients with latent tuberculosis

If your child has been infected with tuberculosis but does not have signs and symptoms of the disease, they may be diagnosed with a latent TB infection. A latent TB infection occurs when a person has TB bacteria in their body but does not have symptoms. The immune system walls off the TB organisms and they remain dormant throughout life in most people who are infected. This person would have a positive blood or skin test but a normal chest X-ray. There are three treatment options, and your child will have monthly visits with a clinician until they have finished the course of treatment. This helps prevent your child’s TB infection from turning into the active form of the disease.

Patients with active tuberculosis

People with tuberculosis generally have signs and symptoms of an active infection, including a positive blood or skin test and a positive chest X-ray. Per state guidelines, we will notify The Massachusetts Department of Public Health and make arrangements for them to oversee medication administration after your child leaves the hospital.

Once your child goes home, they will be followed via our outpatient clinic through monthly appointments with doctors and nurses.

Patient and family education

At clinic appointments, we will give your family extensive education about tuberculosis. Our staff provides training and guidance regarding all aspects of home care, including how to give your child their medication. Our Boston Children’s central pharmacy provides the TB medication free of charge.

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