Urine Xpert MTB/RIF for the diagnosis of childhood tuberculosis.

Introduction: Xpert MTB/RIF is recommended for the simultaneous detection of tuberculosis (TB) and rifampicin resistance directly from sputum specimens. Since young children cannot always expectorate, we assessed urine as a possible specimen source to diagnose TB in children using Xpert MTB/RIF.

Methods: During a field study to enhance childhood TB identification, spot urine samples were prospectively collected from consecutive ambulatory children aged 0 to 14 years presenting with presumptive pulmonary TB in community health centers.

Shortening intradermal rabies post-exposure prophylaxis regimens to 1 week: Results from a phase III clinical trial in children, adolescents and adults.

Background: This phase III clinical trial compared the immunogenicity and safety of a purified chick-embryo cell rabies vaccine (PCECV) administered according to a shortened post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) 4-site/1-week intradermal regimen, compared with the currently recommended 2-site/Thai Red Cross (TRC) regimen.

Methodology/principal Findings: This controlled, open-label, multi-center study (NCT02177032) enrolled healthy individuals ≥1 year of age, randomized into 4 groups to receive intradermal PCECV according to one of the 2 regimens, with or without human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG) administration at first visit (in adults only). Rabies virus neutralizing antibody (RVNA) concentrations and percentages of participants with RVNA concentrations ≥0.