Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health concern for all ages. However, the disease presents a larger challenge in pediatric populations, partially owing to the lack of reliable diagnostic standards for the early identification of infection. Currently, there are no biomarkers that have been clinically validated for use in pediatric TB diagnosis. Identification and validation of biomarkers could provide critical information on prognosis of disease, and response to treatment. In this review, we discuss how the “omics” approach has influenced biomarker discovery and the advancement of a next generation rapid point-of-care diagnostic for TB, with special emphasis on pediatric disease. Limitations of current published studies and the barriers to their implementation into the field will be thoroughly reviewed within this article in hopes of highlighting future avenues and needs for combating the problem of pediatric tuberculosis.
Highlights
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most common infectious diseases worldwide and continues to pose a substantial threat to pediatric health [1]
Pediatric TB is a devastating problem worldwide with no reliable diagnostic tests to differentiate between latent and active TB cases or help guide treatment to success
Current diagnostic tests do not address the varied challenges of differential presentation of TB disease in children when compared to adults
Summary
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most common infectious diseases worldwide and continues to pose a substantial threat to pediatric health [1]. The availability of reliable empirical diagnostics will greatly facilitate improved treatment and survival in children with pediatric TB. Such diagnostics are currently nonexistent for pediatric TB infection. Changes in host immune status can cause latent infection to become active at any time [5]. It is the dynamic balance between bacterial pathogenicity and the host immune system that determines the clinical presentation of TB disease. Ahdedsiteionfaallcyt, oyorusngcochniltdrriebn uarteeofttoentuhneabclehtoalelxepnecgtoeratoefspduituamg,nmoaskiinsgothfepreelidanicaetornic TB, and render adult diagnostic stpeustutsm‐ibnaseeffd edciatginvoestiwcs hdeiffnicualtpfporlitehids ptoopuclhatiioldn r[1e6n]..MFooreroviners, tpaendicateri,cwclihniiclael bisoalcatteesrial culture from contain fewer bacteria (paucibacillary), making culture and isolation even more challenging. The following section provides a comprehensive assessment of current diagnostic methods with methods with FiFgiguurree11prpovriodivngida icnomgpaariscoonmof pcuarrreinstoapnprooafchceus rforredniatgnaopsisporfopaedciahtreicsTfBowritdh aian g“onmoicss”is of pediatric TB with an “omics” ffuututrue.re
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
