This paper describes two cases of tuberculosis (tbc) in children in whom tbc was misdiagnosed and who were initially treated with antibiotics (and corticosteroids) as for non-specific lower respiratory tract infections. Chest radiograms, good response to antituberculosis drugs (in both children), bacteriologic and histologic examinations and a history of family contact with infectious tbc (in case I) confirmed the diagnosis of tbc. We suggest that the most important factor in rapidly diagnosing tuberculosis is a high index of suspicion in children with respiratory tract infections.