This study of sixty children showing tuberculous pulmonary infiltrations has been conducted over a period of five years. All the children included in the study have been followed for at least one year, and most of them for three and four years, except for three who died shortly after they were first seen. The patients either were examined in the clinic because of known contact with a case of open tuberculosis, or were admitted to the hospital suffering from an acute illness.
These children showing pulmonary infiltrations fall into three clinical groups: Group 1, children acutely ill with fever. Group 2, children who, though not acutely ill, are ailing; they may have a little fever, cough and poor appetite, and they may tire easily. (No patient gave a history of an acute illness suggesting pneumonia.) Group 3, children who are in good health with no symptoms whatever, and who do