Tuberculosis in children: considerations for children from developing countries

Semin Pediatr Infect Dis. 2004 Jul;15(3):150-4. doi: 10.1053/j.spid.2004.05.007.

Abstract

Although accurate data are scarce for children, tuberculosis (TB) represents one of the most common infectious causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. TB case rates have declined among children in the United States in the last decade, but they remain high among children from low-income countries and racial or ethnic minorities. Establishing the definitive diagnosis of TB in a child remains difficult and frequently relies on a constellation of history, clinical findings, and bacteriology. Recently, updated national and international treatment recommendations have been published. Contact investigation and treatment using directly observed therapy are important components of the optimal case detection and management of TB in children.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antitubercular Agents / urine
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Developing Countries
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant
  • Tuberculosis / diagnosis
  • Tuberculosis / drug therapy
  • Tuberculosis / epidemiology*
  • Tuberculosis / prevention & control
  • United States / epidemiology

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents