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Updated: Feb 3, 2026
Isolating Central Nervous System Tissues and Associated Meninges for the Downstream Analysis of Immune cells
Published on: May 19, 2020
An Infant with Xpert® Confirmed TB Meningitis in Central Viet Nam
Phuong T K Nguyen1,2, Trang T B Thai3, Julie Huynh4,5
1Respiratory Department, Da Nang Hospital for Women and Children, 402 Le Van Hien Street, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang 550000, Viet Nam. thng5150@uni.sydney.edu.au.
Insights
Tuberculosis meningitis in an infant was diagnosed using Xpert MTB/RIF testing. Early diagnosis and preventive therapy are crucial for young children exposed to infectious tuberculosis cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Tuberculosis meningitis (TBM) is a severe form of TB with high mortality and neurological complications.
- Early diagnosis of TBM is challenging due to non-specific early symptoms.
- Xpert MTB/RIF is a molecular test for TB diagnosis.
Observation:
- A 5-month-old infant presented with focal seizures, leading to a diagnosis of disseminated tuberculosis and TBM.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Xpert MTB/RIF testing confirmed TBM, marking the first pediatric use in central Vietnam.
- The infant's father had sputum smear-positive TB, and the mother and sibling received preventive therapy.
Findings:
- The Xpert MTB/RIF assay provided a rapid and accurate diagnosis of TBM in a pediatric case.
- Family screening identified an infectious source case and initiated preventive therapy for close contacts.
- This case highlights the utility of CSF Xpert MTB/RIF in diagnosing TBM in infants.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis of TBM is critical for improving clinical outcomes and reducing neurological sequelae.
- Implementing Xpert MTB/RIF testing in pediatric populations can expedite TBM diagnosis.
- Preventive therapy for close contacts, especially young children, is vital in controlling TB transmission and preventing severe disease.
Abstract:
A 5-month-old boy presented with a focal seizure. Disseminated (miliary) tuberculosis (TB) was diagnosed on chest radiograph and TB meningitis was confirmed using Xpert MTB/RIF®. The case represents the first instance of cerebrospinal fluid Xpert MTB/RIF® testing in children in central Viet Nam. Family screening diagnosed the father with sputum smear-positive TB. The mother and a 2-year-old sibling had no symptoms or signs of TB disease and started preventive therapy. Early TB meningitis diagnosis is the single most important factor influencing clinical outcome, but is difficult due to the non-specific signs and symptoms at disease onset. Late diagnosis is associated with high mortality and severe neurologic handicap, which emphasizes the value of TB preventive therapy in vulnerable young children in close contact with an infectious TB case (recent is generally defined as within the last 12 months).
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