6th Dec 2025

Dr. Gibeah H.R. Harriet, Consultant Pediatrician at KIMSHEALTH Nagercoil, explains an important yet often misunderstood topic — Primary Complex (PC) in children. While many believe tuberculosis affects only adults, children too can be exposed when a family member or close contact has active TB. When TB bacteria enter a child’s lungs and nearby lymph nodes enlarge, it forms the primary complex. Most children with good immunity recover naturally, but those under 5 are at higher risk of progressing to TB disease. Persistent fever, cough, poor weight gain, or neck swelling are warning signs. Early diagnosis, proper testing, and timely prophylaxis are crucial to protect young children.