Table 1 Diagnostic certainty categories for cases of TB disease in childrena
From: Why being an expert – despite xpert –remains crucial for children in high TB burden settings
Diagnostic Certainty Group | Definition of Case Categories |
|---|---|
Confirmed tuberculosis | A child with Mycobacterium tuberculosis identified from a clinical specimen using any microbiologic diagnostic test available (e.g. smear, culture, or Xpert) and at least one sign or symptom suggestive of tuberculosis |
Probable tuberculosis | A child with one or more of the following clinical symptoms: • Abnormal CXR consistent with TB • Cough duration greater than 2 weeks • Weight loss or failure to thrive (WHZ-score less than −2) • Fever greater than 2 weeks • Signs/symptoms of disseminated TB And one (or more) of the following: • Documented exposure to TB in the preceding 24 months • A positive clinical response to anti-tuberculosis treatment • Immunologic (TST or IGRA) evidence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection |
Possible tuberculosis | A child with one or more of the following clinical symptoms: • Abnormal CXR consistent with TB • Cough greater than 2 weeks • Weight loss or failure to thrive (WHZ-score less than –2) • Fever greater than 2 weeks |