HIV-associated tuberculosis in infants, children, and adolescents younger than 15 years: an update on the epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.

Purpose Of Review: HIV-associated tuberculosis (TB) remains a major driver of morbidity and mortality in children and adolescents younger than 15 years (CLWH). The purpose of this review is to highlight recent findings in the areas of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of HIV-associated TB in CLWH and to highlight knowledge and implementation gaps.

Recent Findings: We found that despite access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), high rates of HIV-associated TB are still reported, and with an unacceptably high mortality.

Clinical spectrum of disease and outcomes in children with Omicron SARS-COV-2 infection in Cape Town, South Africa.

Introduction: Children with underlying comorbidities and infants are most severely affected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, including in low- and middle-income countries with a high prevalence of HIV and TB. We describe the clinical presentation of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children during the Omicron wave, in Cape Town, South Africa.

Methods: We analysed routine care data from a prospective cohort of children aged 0-13 years, with a positive SARS-CoV-2 real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) or SARS-CoV-2 antigen test, admitted to Tygerberg Hospital between 1 November 2021 until 1 March 2022.

Short-term outcomes of South African children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children: a prospective cohort study.

Background: Despite the life-threatening presentation of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), the overall prognosis is favourable in centres with access to appropriate supportive care. In this study, we investigate the short-term outcomes in children with MIS-C in Cape Town, South Africa.

Methods: This prospective observational cohort study included children <13 years who fulfilled the WHO case definition of MIS-C and were admitted to Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa between 1 June 2020 and 31 October 2021.

Clinical Presentation and Outcome of Acute Respiratory Illnesses in South African Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: Data from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) show higher morbidity and mortality in children with acute respiratory illness (ARI) from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, whether SARS-CoV-2 infection is distinct from other causes of ARI in this regard is unclear. We describe clinical characteristics and outcomes of South African children with SARS-CoV-2 and non-SARS-CoV-2 ARIs.

What's new in childhood tuberculosis.

Purpose Of Review: The current review identifies recent advances in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of childhood tuberculosis (TB) with a focus on the WHO's updated TB management guidelines released in 2022.

Recent Findings: The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected global TB control due to the diversion of healthcare resources and decreased patient care-seeking behaviour. Despite this, key advances in childhood TB management have continued.