African Journal of
Biotechnology

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Biotechnol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1684-5315
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJB
  • Start Year: 2002
  • Published Articles: 12496

Full Length Research Paper

Screening of tuberculosis in highly exposed children in the population of Cameroon central region

Martine Augusta Flore Tsasse
  • Martine Augusta Flore Tsasse
  • Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.
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Henry Dilonga Meriki
  • Henry Dilonga Meriki
  • Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.
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Henri Olivier Tatsilong Pambou
  • Henri Olivier Tatsilong Pambou
  • Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.
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Hugues Clotaire Nana Djeunga
  • Hugues Clotaire Nana Djeunga
  • Higher Institute for Scientific and Medical Research (ISM), Yaoundé, Cameroon.
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Ambe Marius Ngwa
  • Ambe Marius Ngwa
  • Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.
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Cyriaque Axel Ambassa
  • Cyriaque Axel Ambassa
  • Laboratory for Tuberculosis Research and Pharmacology, Biotechnology Center, University of Yaoundé 1, Cameroon
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Jean Paul Assam Assam
  • Jean Paul Assam Assam
  • Laboratory for Tuberculosis Research and Pharmacology, Biotechnology Center, University of Yaoundé 1, Cameroon
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Celine Nguefeu NKenfou
  • Celine Nguefeu NKenfou
  • Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
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Véronique Penlap Beng
  • Véronique Penlap Beng
  • Laboratory for Tuberculosis Research and Pharmacology, Biotechnology Center, University of Yaoundé 1, Cameroon.
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Joseph Kamgno
  • Joseph Kamgno
  • Higher Institute for Scientific and Medical Research (ISM), Yaoundé, Cameroon.
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Patrick Nguipdop Djomo
  • Patrick Nguipdop Djomo
  • Higher Institute for Scientific and Medical Research (ISM), Yaoundé, Cameroon.
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Jane Françis Tatah Kihla Akoachere
  • Jane Françis Tatah Kihla Akoachere
  • Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.
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  •  Received: 14 February 2024
  •  Accepted: 21 March 2024
  •  Published: 31 March 2024

Abstract

Although the treatment for tuberculosis (TB) is available nowadays, it remains a real concern, especially since cases in children are often detected late and underreported. Studies have shown that elevated serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) are associated with TB in adults. This study aims to assess the CRP levels among the pediatric cases at Jamot Hospital (Yaoundé) and Meguemessi community in Cameroon. This was a cross-sectional study that enrolled 97 participants aged 2 to 15 years between 2020 and 2023. Sputum was tested for active tuberculosis using Gene-x-pert and culture. Blood was collected to measure the CRP concentration levels using nephelometry and to screen for latent tuberculosis infection using Interferon Gamma Released Assay (IGRA). Amongst the 97 participants there were 7 confirmed cases of active TB, 27 cases of latent TB infection, and 44 healthy individuals (HI). The mean CRP levels for active TB, latent tuberculosis infected (LTBI), and HI were 110.81 ± 74.96, 7.76 ± 15.33 and 9.27 ± 15.57 mg/L, respectively. High levels of CRP were associated with active tuberculosis (p < 0.001). Serum CRP levels can provide valuable insight into the severity of the disease, making it a useful marker for early diagnosis, preventive therapy orientation and treatment of TB.

 

Key words: Active tuberculosis, latent tuberculosis infection, acute phase marker, C-reactive protein, contact children, central region, Cameroon.