Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 8, 2026

A Tuberculosis Molecular Bacterial Load Assay (TB-MBLA)
10:41

A Tuberculosis Molecular Bacterial Load Assay (TB-MBLA)

Published on: April 30, 2020

A survey of tuberculosis services in the UK

S Adalat1, M Paliwalla, V Novelli

  • 1Great Ormond Street Hospital, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK. s.adalat@nhs.net

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|January 15, 2008
PubMed

Insights

This UK study found that while many pediatricians see few children with tuberculosis (TB), most are cared for by general pediatricians. The findings support developing specialized TB family clinics and service networks for improved child care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health concern, particularly for vulnerable pediatric populations.
  • Effective management of pediatric TB requires specialized healthcare services and coordinated care approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the current provision and availability of healthcare services for children diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) within the United Kingdom.
  • To evaluate the existing infrastructure for managing children with TB and those in contact with the disease.

Main Methods:

  • A nationwide postal questionnaire survey was distributed to pediatricians and adult physicians across acute hospital trusts in the UK.
  • Data collection focused on inpatient and outpatient services, specialist availability, isolation facilities, and contact management for pediatric TB cases.

Main Results:

  • Responses from 199 trusts indicated a median of 1.5 pediatric TB cases seen annually per trust, with most inpatients managed in pediatric wards.
  • While 66% of trusts had a named consultant for pediatric TB, only 21% reported negative pressure isolation rooms.
  • Outpatient services were predominantly in pediatric clinics (82%), with limited dedicated family TB clinics (5%). Access to TB nurses (81%) and directly observed therapy (DOTS) (58%) was available.

Conclusions:

  • The study highlights that most children with TB are managed by general pediatricians, despite many seeing few cases.
  • Findings underscore the need for developing specialized family TB clinics and integrated clinical service networks to enhance the quality of care for children with TB in the UK.
Abstract

More Related Videos

The MODS method for diagnosis of tuberculosis and multidrug resistant tuberculosis23:06

The MODS method for diagnosis of tuberculosis and multidrug resistant tuberculosis

Published on: August 11, 2008

Related Concept Videos

Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV01:26

Pulmonary 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...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V01:28

Pulmonary 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...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III01:31

Pulmonary 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:
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary 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...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II01:28

Pulmonary 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...
Tuberculosis01:23

Tuberculosis

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...