Childhood tuberculosis (part-II) (diagnosis and management).

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This article focuses on the diagnosis and management of childhood tuberculosis (TB). Diagnostic tests for childhood TB can be classified into five groups: 1) intradermal skin tests; 2) mycobacterial detection and isolation; 3) immune diagnosis; 4) nonspecific tests; and 5) radiologic investigation. Of the intradermal skin tests, the Mantoux test is the most accurate, definitive, and reliable. The three diagnostic scoring systems discussed in this article are 1) WHO Provisional Guidelines for Diagnosis of TB in Children, 2) Udanis Simple Scoring Technique Criteria, and c) Kenneth Jones Scoring. Moreover, TB has been classified into five groups based on clinical types to optimize treatment protocol. These groups are presented in the article together with the treatment indications.