The burden of Tuberculosis (TB) in South Africa is significant with recent reports showing an increase in the incidence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB. Little is known of the incidence and epidemiology, especially of MDR Tuberculous arthritis in children in the South African setting. The purpose of this study is to identify the number of TB cases identified with positive histology, culture and sensitivity. A retrospective review of laboratory results of children under the age of 14 years with Tuberculous arthritis at a South African Hospital between January 2008 and December 2012 was performed. The data was extracted from the NHLS data base for all synovium, bone or joint fluid collected for TB culture, sensitivity and histology.Purpose and Introduction
Methods