WHO updates guidance for TB management in children, adolescents

A rapid communication released by the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Tuberculosis Programme has announced important updates to guidance on the management of tuberculosis (TB) in children and adolescents. This includes new recommendations on diagnostic options, treatment regimens, as well as treatment decision algorithms and optimal models of care for the delivery of child and adolescent TB services. The rapid communication highlights key updates including recommendation on the use of Xpert MTB/ RIF Ultra in gastric aspirate or stool specimens as the initial diagnostic test for TB and the detection of rifampicin resistance, in children aged below 10 years with signs and symptoms of pulmonary TB; and recommendation on the use of a shorter intensive regimen composed of 6 months of isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethionamide in children and adolescents with microbiologically confirmed or clinically diagnosed TB meningitis, presumed to be drug susceptible, as an alternative to the currently recommended 12 month regimen.