Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
06:26
Micro-Colony Forming Unit Assay for Efficacy Evaluation of Vaccines Against Tuberculosis
Published on: July 28, 2023
The bacteriologic yield in children with intrathoracic tuberculosis
B J Marais1, A C Hesseling, R P Gie
1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Tygerberg Children's Hospital, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa. bjmarais@sun.ac.za
Summary
Bacteriologic confirmation of intrathoracic tuberculosis in children is highly successful in endemic areas. This high yield suggests reassessing the diagnostic value of bacteriology, especially for advanced pediatric cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Intrathoracic tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis in children presents challenges, particularly in high-incidence regions.
- Bacteriologic confirmation is crucial but can be difficult to achieve in pediatric TB cases.
- Understanding bacteriologic yield is essential for optimizing diagnostic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the bacteriologic yield of intrathoracic tuberculosis in children treated in a highly endemic area.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of bacteriologic confirmation methods in this specific pediatric population.
- To inform diagnostic approaches for pediatric TB in resource-limited, high-prevalence settings.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 307 children treated for intrathoracic tuberculosis.
- Specimen collection and bacteriologic confirmation for a subset of patients (n=196).
- Analysis of bacteriologic yield based on disease presentation, including uncomplicated lymph node disease.
Main Results:
- Overall bacteriologic confirmation was achieved in 122 (62.2%) of 196 children with collected specimens.
- Children with uncomplicated lymph node disease showed a lower bacteriologic yield (34.8% confirmation).
- A significant proportion of children presented with advanced disease, contributing to the overall yield.
Conclusions:
- The high overall bacteriologic yield in this endemic setting underscores its diagnostic utility.
- Reassessment of bacteriology-based diagnostic approaches for pediatric intrathoracic TB is warranted.
- Diagnostic strategies should consider the high prevalence of advanced disease in children in endemic areas.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Tuberculosis, more commonly referred to as TB, is an infectious disease stemming from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily impacts the lungs, TB can also affect other body areas. Given its severity and global impact, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for controlling its spread and improving patient outcomes.
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
01:23Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health concern, primarily targeting the lungs and spreading through airborne transmission. Infection begins when aerosolized droplet nuclei, expelled by an individual with active TB, are inhaled by another person. These microscopic particles carry Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of TB. Upon reaching the alveoli, the bacilli are engulfed by alveolar macrophages. However, due to their specialized lipid-rich cell wall, these pathogens...
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Medical management of tuberculosis (TB) patients involves a comprehensive approach that includes diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. The specific strategies can vary depending on the type of tuberculosis (latent or active), the patient's overall health status, and other considerations.
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
01:31Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories: