Tuberculous meningitis in children: problem to be addressed effectively with thorough contact tracing

Worldwide, tuberculosis is the most common cause of death from a single inf ectious agent in children. There has been an increase in its incidence in E urope in recent years. Early diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis in childre n is extremely difficult because of its nonspecific early presentation and it is universally fatal if not recognised and treated. Young children are a t increased risk of acquiring tuberculosis and it is more likely to be diss eminated in neonates. In summarising the cases of three children with tuber culous meningitis admitted to our centre, we highlight the importance of di agnosis and contact tracing of the source case. Conclusion Diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis requires a high index of sus picion, thorough contact tracing, and appropriate investigations with early treatment as the key to reducing morbidity and mortality.