A Comprehensive Review of the Diagnostics for Pediatric Tuberculosis Based on Assay Time, Ease of Operation, and Performance

Pediatric tuberculosis (TB) is still challenged by several diagnostic bottlenecks, imposing a high TB burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Diagnostic turnaround time (TAT) and ease of operation to suit resource-limited settings are critical aspects that determine early treatment and i...

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Main Authors: Soumya Basu, Subhra Chakraborty
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Microorganisms
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/1/178
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author Soumya Basu
Subhra Chakraborty
author_facet Soumya Basu
Subhra Chakraborty
author_sort Soumya Basu
collection DOAJ
description Pediatric tuberculosis (TB) is still challenged by several diagnostic bottlenecks, imposing a high TB burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Diagnostic turnaround time (TAT) and ease of operation to suit resource-limited settings are critical aspects that determine early treatment and influence morbidity and mortality. Based on TAT and ease of operation, this article reviews the evolving landscape of TB diagnostics, from traditional methods like microscopy and culture to cutting-edge molecular techniques and biomarker-based approaches. We examined the benefits of efficient rapid results against potential trade-offs in accuracy and clinical utility. The review highlights emerging molecular methods and artificial intelligence-based detection methods, which offer promising improvements in both speed and sensitivity. The review also addresses the challenges of implementing these technologies in resource-limited settings, where most pediatric TB cases occur. Gaps in the existing diagnostic methods, algorithms, and operational costs were also reviewed. Developing optimal diagnostic strategies that balance speed, performance, cost, and feasibility in diverse healthcare settings can provide valuable insights for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers.
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spelling doaj-art-be83682efd3a4d2c9b4d0b1ef9afaf5c2025-01-24T13:42:57ZengMDPI AGMicroorganisms2076-26072025-01-0113117810.3390/microorganisms13010178A Comprehensive Review of the Diagnostics for Pediatric Tuberculosis Based on Assay Time, Ease of Operation, and PerformanceSoumya Basu0Subhra Chakraborty1Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USADepartment of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USAPediatric tuberculosis (TB) is still challenged by several diagnostic bottlenecks, imposing a high TB burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Diagnostic turnaround time (TAT) and ease of operation to suit resource-limited settings are critical aspects that determine early treatment and influence morbidity and mortality. Based on TAT and ease of operation, this article reviews the evolving landscape of TB diagnostics, from traditional methods like microscopy and culture to cutting-edge molecular techniques and biomarker-based approaches. We examined the benefits of efficient rapid results against potential trade-offs in accuracy and clinical utility. The review highlights emerging molecular methods and artificial intelligence-based detection methods, which offer promising improvements in both speed and sensitivity. The review also addresses the challenges of implementing these technologies in resource-limited settings, where most pediatric TB cases occur. Gaps in the existing diagnostic methods, algorithms, and operational costs were also reviewed. Developing optimal diagnostic strategies that balance speed, performance, cost, and feasibility in diverse healthcare settings can provide valuable insights for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/1/178diagnosismycobacteriumTBCRISPRchildrenartificial intelligence
spellingShingle Soumya Basu
Subhra Chakraborty
A Comprehensive Review of the Diagnostics for Pediatric Tuberculosis Based on Assay Time, Ease of Operation, and Performance
Microorganisms
diagnosis
mycobacterium
TB
CRISPR
children
artificial intelligence
title A Comprehensive Review of the Diagnostics for Pediatric Tuberculosis Based on Assay Time, Ease of Operation, and Performance
title_full A Comprehensive Review of the Diagnostics for Pediatric Tuberculosis Based on Assay Time, Ease of Operation, and Performance
title_fullStr A Comprehensive Review of the Diagnostics for Pediatric Tuberculosis Based on Assay Time, Ease of Operation, and Performance
title_full_unstemmed A Comprehensive Review of the Diagnostics for Pediatric Tuberculosis Based on Assay Time, Ease of Operation, and Performance
title_short A Comprehensive Review of the Diagnostics for Pediatric Tuberculosis Based on Assay Time, Ease of Operation, and Performance
title_sort comprehensive review of the diagnostics for pediatric tuberculosis based on assay time ease of operation and performance
topic diagnosis
mycobacterium
TB
CRISPR
children
artificial intelligence
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/1/178
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