Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Analysis of 18FDG PET/CT Imaging as a Tool for Studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and Treatment in Non-human Primates
10:04

Analysis of 18FDG PET/CT Imaging as a Tool for Studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and Treatment in Non-human Primates

Published on: September 5, 2017

Childhood tuberculosis: an emerging and previously neglected problem

Ben J Marais1, H Simon Schaaf

  • 1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tygerberg Children's Hospital, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa. bjmarais@sun.ac.za

Infectious Disease Clinics of North America
|August 3, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Childhood tuberculosis (TB) is under-recognized and under-treated globally, especially in resource-limited areas. New policies are urgently needed to address this neglected pediatric disease and its impact on TB epidemics.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Childhood tuberculosis (TB) is a neglected global health issue, particularly in resource-limited settings.
  • Operational challenges and misconceptions about pediatric TB contribute to its underdiagnosis and underestimation.
  • Children significantly contribute to the global TB burden, experiencing severe morbidity and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review key concepts, challenges, and management principles for childhood TB.
  • To highlight the need for feasible policies to guide clinical practice.
  • To summarize research priorities for pediatric TB.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of current knowledge on childhood TB.
  • Analysis of operational difficulties and perceptions impacting pediatric TB care.
  • Review of international and national perspectives on TB control.

Main Results:

  • Childhood TB is often undiagnosed in endemic areas, despite significant morbidity and mortality.
  • Pediatric TB can be considered an emerging epidemic where adult TB control is lacking.
  • There is a critical gap between international awareness and national/local implementation of pediatric TB policies.

Conclusions:

  • Feasible and implementable policies are urgently required to improve childhood TB management.
  • Addressing pediatric TB is crucial for effective overall TB epidemic control.
  • Further research is essential to guide future strategies for combating childhood TB.

Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
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 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...