Closing the gaps in childhood TB detection.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric infectious diseases
• Global health
• Diagnostic development

Background:

• The disparity in tuberculosis (TB) detection and treatment between children and adults remains substantial globally.
• While progress is being made, a significant gap persists in identifying and treating pediatric TB cases.
• Recent advancements in diagnostics offer new opportunities to address this challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate current diagnostic tools for pediatric tuberculosis.
• To explore future prospects for diagnostic testing in children with TB.
• To propose a framework for national TB programs to reduce the treatment coverage gap in children.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing diagnostic tests and approaches for pediatric TB.
• Analysis of the TB treatment coverage gap in the pediatric population.
• Development of a strategic framework for TB programs.

Main Results:

• The gap in pediatric TB diagnosis and treatment is narrowing but remains wider than in adults.
• Several new diagnostic tests have been recently implemented or are in development pipelines.
• A framework is proposed to guide interventions for improving TB treatment coverage in children.

Conclusions:

• Continued innovation in diagnostic testing is essential for closing the pediatric TB gap.
• Implementing strategic frameworks can enhance national TB programs' efforts in pediatric TB care.
• Addressing the TB treatment coverage gap requires a combination of research and programmatic interventions.