Immunological Evaluation For Personalized Interventions In Children With Tuberculosis: Should It Be Routinely Performed?

Childhood tuberculosis (TB) is a significant public health problem and the ninth leading cause of death worldwide. Progression ofMycobacterium tuberculosisinfection to active disease depends on mycobacterial virulence, environmental diversity, and host susceptibility and immune response. In children, malnutrition and immaturity of the immune system contribute to an inadequate immune response. Coinfections, though rarely described in TB, might be associated with host immune deficiencies. Here, we describe the immunological evaluation of eight pediatric patients infected with a member of theM. tuberculosiscomplex, most of them with concomitant pulmonary infections (bacteria, viruses, or fungi). We assessed the functionality of several innate immunity receptors, IL-12 receptor, and IFN-gamma receptor, as well as the antioxidant levels (glutathione), which are essential mechanisms for fighting intracellular pathogens such asM.tuberculosis. This study is aimed at developing a thorough immunological evaluation of patients with TB and a coinfection.