Overcoming challenges in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of pediatric drug-resistant tuberculosis

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) is a growing global health threat and children are especially vulnerable to becoming infected and sick with DR-TB. There is a growing body of evidence on the optimal diagnosis, treatment and prevention of DR-TB in this vulnerable population.

Areas covered: A comprehensive review of the literature on DR-TB in children was done using PubMed and Ovid databases up to 31 December 2016. Topic areas covered included diagnosis of DR-TB, treatment of DR-TB – including novel medications and regimens, prevention of DR-TB, community-based care, and stigma/discrimination. After presenting a case that highlights some of these challenges in each of these areas, for which we will propose mechanisms for overcoming them.

Expert commentary: Overcoming the challenges facing children with DR-TB, requires a paradigm shift at multiple levels. The ‘trickle down’ approach to pediatric DR-TB has been woefully inadequate and it is essential that pediatric DR-TB – preventing it, diagnosing it, and treating it – be made a priority.

KEYWORDS:

• Drug-resistant tuberculosis
• pediatrics
• children
• barriers

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.