Clinical Presentation, Screening, and Diagnosis of Pediatric Tuberculosis

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of illness and death throughout the world. Despite its high prevalence worldwide, a diagnosis of TB can be hampered by variable clinical presentation, differences in host response, and lack of clinician awareness. In addition to the lungs, TB can affect almost every organ system in the body. Importantly, the severity of the disease is influenced by the age and immune status of the patient. Because it is relatively rare in the United States and other high-income countries, pediatricians in those settings may be unfamiliar with this ancient disease and may omit it from their differential diagnosis. This article aims to bring general pediatricians up to date with the epidemiology of pediatric TB as well as common presentations and screening tests. Confirmatory testing and treatment of TB are out of the scope of this article. Consultation with the local health department is recommended for any patients in whom active TB is suspected or diagnosed. [Pediatr Ann. 2022;51(12):e461-e468.].