Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 2, 2026

The MODS method for diagnosis of tuberculosis and multidrug resistant tuberculosis
23:06

The MODS method for diagnosis of tuberculosis and multidrug resistant tuberculosis

Published on: August 11, 2008

19.6K

Feasibility of the string test for tuberculosis diagnosis in children between 4 and 14 years old

Karla T Tafur1, Julia Coit2, Segundo R Leon2

  • 1Socios En Salud Sucursal Perú, Av. Túpac Amaru 4480, Comas, Lima, Peru. ktafur_ses@pih.org.

BMC Infectious Diseases
|November 17, 2018
PubMed

Insights

The enteric string test shows promise for diagnosing childhood tuberculosis but has low feasibility in younger children. Modifications like a smaller capsule may improve success rates for this pediatric TB diagnostic tool.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Microbiological diagnostics
  • Tuberculosis research

Background:

  • The enteric string test offers a method for microbiological confirmation of tuberculosis in children.
  • Its use for pediatric tuberculosis diagnosis is currently limited.
  • This study evaluates the string test's utility in children presenting with tuberculosis symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the feasibility, tolerability, and acceptability of the enteric string test in children with suspected tuberculosis.
  • To determine the diagnostic yield of the string test compared to gastric aspirate.
  • To identify factors influencing the test's success, such as age.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted involving children with tuberculosis symptoms.
  • Feasibility (swallowing the capsule), tolerability (pain), and acceptability (willingness to repeat) were assessed.
  • Diagnostic yield was evaluated by comparing string test cultures with sputum and gastric aspirate cultures.
  • Data were stratified by age and compared with gastric aspirate metrics.

Main Results:

  • 34% of 148 children successfully swallowed the string test capsule; feasibility was significantly higher in older children (11-14 years) compared to younger children (4-10 years).
  • The string test was better tolerated than gastric aspirate, but willingness to repeat the procedure was higher for gastric aspirate among older children and guardians.
  • Of 9 children with positive sputum cultures, 6 had positive string test cultures. The single child with a positive gastric aspirate culture also had a positive string test culture.

Conclusions:

  • The enteric string test is generally tolerable and accepted by children and caregivers.
  • Low feasibility in younger children limits its current application for pediatric tuberculosis diagnosis.
  • Reducing capsule size is suggested as a potential improvement for enhancing test success rates in younger pediatric populations.
Abstract

Keywords:
FeasibilityGastric aspiratePediatricPeruTolerability

More Related Videos

Separation and Fractionation of Cell Wall and Cell Membrane Proteins from Mycobacterium tuberculosis for Downstream Protein Analysis06:14

Separation and Fractionation of Cell Wall and Cell Membrane Proteins from Mycobacterium tuberculosis for Downstream Protein Analysis

Published on: September 26, 2025

654
Separation and Fractionation of Culture Filtrate Proteins (CFPs) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis08:48

Separation and Fractionation of Culture Filtrate Proteins (CFPs) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Published on: July 11, 2025

611

Related Concept Videos

Problem-Solving: Tuning of a Guitar String01:04

Problem-Solving: Tuning of a Guitar String

In the case of stringed instruments like the guitar, the elastic property that determines the speed of the sound produced is its linear mass density or the mass per unit length. This is simply called the linear density. If the string's linear density is constant along the string, then the linear density is simply the total mass divided by the total length.
The string's wave speed can be regulated by varying the linear density. Tension is the other property that determines the speed of...
1.1K
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...
963
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...
1.5K
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...
620
Nursing Diagnosis01:22

Nursing Diagnosis

Following assessment, a nursing diagnosis is the next step in the nursing process. It begins after the nurse has collected and recorded the patient data. The purpose of diagnosing is to identify how the client responds to actual or potential health processes, identify factors that bestow or that cause health problems, the etiologies, and identify resources or strengths the individual, group, or community can draw on to prevent or resolve problems.
The nursing diagnosis focuses on evidence-based...
4.1K
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:
1.1K