Immunological Aspects of Diagnosis and Management of Childhood Tuberculosis.

The diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) in children is difficult because of the low sensitivity and specificity of traditional microbiology techniques in this age group. Whereas in adults the culture of , the gold standard test, detects 80% of positive cases, it only detects around 30-40% of cases in children. The new methods based on the immune response to infection could be affected by many factors.

Immunological Evaluation for Personalized Interventions in Children with Tuberculosis: Should It Be Routinely Performed?

Childhood tuberculosis (TB) is a significant public health problem and the ninth leading cause of death worldwide. Progression of infection to active disease depends on mycobacterial virulence, environmental diversity, and host susceptibility and immune response. In children, malnutrition and immaturity of the immune system contribute to an inadequate immune response.