Upscaling Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Through Routine Genexpert Testing of Stool from Hospitalized Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition: Experience from Sokoto State, Nigeria
Bello Umar Tambuwal*, Urhioke Ochuko, Ufuoma Aduh, Labaran Shehu, Fadare Omoniyi Amos, Martin F and Aminu Shittu
ABSTRACT
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health concern, particularly in malnourished children. Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) compromises immunity, increasing TB susceptibility. However, diagnosing pediatric TB is challenging due to difficulties in obtaining respiratory samples. This study evaluates the effectiveness of stool-based GeneXpert testing for pulmonary TB in hospitalized children with SAM in Sokoto State, Nigeria.
A prospective observational study was conducted at the inpatient therapeutic feeding center of the State Specialist Hospital, Sokoto. Hospitalized children with SAM were screened for TB using stool-based GeneXpert MTB/RIF testing. Demographic and clinical data were collected to determine TB prevalence and associated risk factors.
Among the 28 hospitalized children tested, 10 (36%) were TB-positive. TB cases were equally distributed among infants, with 3 (30%) males and 3 (30%) females testing positive. Among children older than one year, 2 (20%) males and 2 (20%) females were TB-positive. Malaria co-infection was observed in 1 (17%) male and 2 (33%) female infants with TB, while among older children, 2 (33%) males and 1 (17%) female had malaria. No HIV-positive cases were recorded.
These findings highlight the high TB burden among malnourished children and reinforce stool-based GeneXpert testing as a viable diagnostic tool. Incorporating routine TB screening using stool-based GeneXpert into diagnostic protocols for children with SAM can improve early detection and treatment outcomes.
