Diversity of disease in childhood pulmonary tuberculosis

Authors: Marais, B. J.; Donald, P. R.; Gie, R. P.; Schaaf, H. S.; Beyers, N.

Source: Annals of Tropical Paediatrics: International Child Health, Volume 25, Number 2, June 2005 , pp. 79-86(8)

Publisher: Maney Publishing

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Abstract:

Many factors can influence the dynamic balance that exists between the host and the pathogen (M. tuberculosis), but the host immune response seems to be the most important. This is illustrated by the vulnerability of immune-compromised individuals to develop tuberculosis and by the age-related spectrum of disease witnessed in immune-competent children. This age-related spectrum of disease reflects the ontogeny of the host immune response towards M. tuberculosis. Renewing our focus on the ontogeny of the immune response in children might provide valuable insights to direct future research regarding tuberculosis prevention, vaccine development and treatment.

Document Type: Review Article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1179/146532805X45665

Affiliations: Centre for TB Research & Education, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Tygerberg Children's Hospital, and Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa

Publication date: 2005-06-01

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