Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026
A Tuberculosis Molecular Bacterial Load Assay TB-MBLA
Published on: April 30, 2020
Diagnosis of paediatric tuberculosis using sputum induction in Botswana: programme description and findings
D R Joel1, A P Steenhoff2, P C Mullan3
1Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Princess Marina Hospital, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana School of Medicine, Gaborone, Botswana.
Insights
Sputum induction is a feasible and safe method for diagnosing pediatric tuberculosis (TB) in high-burden settings like Botswana. This technique aids in the bacteriological confirmation of TB in children, improving diagnostic capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Infectious diseases
- Pediatric health
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in high-burden countries.
- Accurate diagnosis of pediatric TB is often difficult due to challenges in obtaining suitable sputum samples.
- Botswana faces a high burden of TB, necessitating effective diagnostic strategies for children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and usefulness of sputum induction for diagnosing pediatric TB.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of sputum induction in a real-world clinical setting.
Main Methods:
- A study was conducted in four public hospitals in Botswana from 2008 to 2010.
- Paediatric patients (≤18 years) suspected of having pulmonary TB underwent sputum induction.
- Data on TB symptoms and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status were collected for risk stratification.
Main Results:
- 1394 children underwent sputum induction, with a median age of 3.8 years.
- TB was confirmed in 6.0% of cases, with weight loss, chest pain, and household TB contact being common indicators.
- Sputum induction was found to be safe, with only minor complications reported in 0.8% of patients.
Conclusions:
- Sputum induction is a feasible and safe diagnostic procedure for pediatric TB in Botswana.
- The method aids in achieving bacteriological confirmation for a subset of children diagnosed with TB.
- This approach can enhance the diagnosis of TB in children within high-prevalence settings.
Setting:
Four public hospitals in Botswana, a high tuberculosis (TB) burden setting.
Objectives:
To assess the feasibility and utility of sputum induction in the diagnosis of paediatric TB.
Design:
From 2008 to 2010, children aged ≤18 years referred for suspected pulmonary TB underwent sputum induction. Confirmed TB was defined as the presence of at least one of the signs and symptoms suggestive of TB and positive Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture. Information on TB-associated symptoms (cough, fatigue, night sweats, low appetite, chest pain, weight loss, haemoptysis and contact with a TB case) was collected for three risk groups: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive children, HIV-negative children aged <3 years and HIV-negative children aged ≥3 years.
Results:
The median age of the 1394 subjects who underwent sputum induction was 3.8 years (IQR 1.3-8.4); 373 (27%) were HIV-positive, 419 (30%) were HIV-negative and 602 (43%) had unknown HIV status. TB was confirmed in 84 (6.0%); cases were more likely to have weight loss, chest pain or TB household contacts. There were no serious complications attributable to sputum induction during and after the procedure; only 0.8% (9/1174) of patients reported minor complications.
Conclusions:
In Botswana, paediatric sputum induction was feasible, safe and assisted bacteriological confirmation in a subgroup of children treated for TB.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:26Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
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 V
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...
01:20Sputum Studies II: Culture and Sensitivity
Sputum culture and sensitivity is a medical procedure used to diagnose bacterial infections in the respiratory tract and select the most appropriate antibiotics for treatment. This process involves analyzing sputum samples of thick and opaque secretions produced in the lungs and airways. These samples are collected from patients and then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
The test can identify various pathogens responsible for respiratory infections, including Streptococcus,...
01:26Sputum Studies I: Gram Stain, cytology, and Acid-fast smear and culture
Gram Stain
The Gram Stain is an integral part of sputum studies. It involves the staining of sputum, which permits...
01:31Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
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...