Characterizing Pediatric Tuberculosis with and without Human Immunodeficiency Virus Coinfection in Harare, Zimbabwe

Pediatric tuberculosis (TB) represents a major barrier to reducing global TB mortality, especially in countries confronting dual TB and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemics. Our study aimed to characterize pediatric TB epidemiology in the high-burden setting of Harare, Zimbabwe, both to fill the current knowledge gap around the epidemiology of pediatric TB and to indicate areas for future research and interventions. We analyzed de-identified data of 1,051 pediatric TB cases (0-14 years) found among a total of 11,607 TB cases reported in Harare, Zimbabwe, during 2011-2012. We performed Pearson's χ² test and multivariate logistic regression analysis to characterize pediatric TB and to assess predictors of HIV coinfection. Pediatric TB cases accounted for 9.1% of all TB cases reported during 2011-2012. Approximately 50% of pediatric TB cases were children younger than 5 years. Almost 60% of the under-5 age group were male, whereas almost 60% of the 10-14 age group were female. The overall HIV coinfection rate was 58.3%. Odds for HIV coinfection was higher for the 5-9 age group (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.77, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.97-3.94), the 10-14 group (AOR: 3.57, 95% CI: 2.52-5.11), retreatment cases (AOR: 6.17, 95% CI: 2.13, 26.16), and pulmonary TB cases (AOR: 2.39, 95% CI: 1.52, 3.75). In conclusion, our study generated evidence that pediatric TB, compounded by HIV coinfection, significantly impacts children in high-burden settings. The findings of our study indicate a critical need for targeted interventions.