Which option best describes the purpose of a Mantoux tuberculin skin test in pediatric care?

Which option best describes the purpose of a Mantoux tuberculin skin test in pediatric care?

• A. Detects TB infection including latent TB
• B. Diagnoses active TB
• C. Measures TB bacterial load
• D. Detects TB drug resistance

Answer: (A)

The Mantoux tuberculin skin test detects TB infection by provoking a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction to injected tuberculin. In children, a positive result means they have been infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis at some point, which could be latent infection or potential progression to disease, but the test cannot distinguish active TB from latent infection. Reading the test involves measuring the induration at 48 to 72 hours after administration, and interpretation depends on risk factors and induration size. This test does not diagnose active TB, does not measure bacterial load, and does not detect drug resistance; those require imaging, microbiologic testing, and drug-susceptibility testing, respectively.

The Mantoux tuberculin skin test detects TB infection by provoking a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction to injected tuberculin. In children, a positive result means they have been infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis at some point, which could be latent infection or potential progression to disease, but the test cannot distinguish active TB from latent infection. Reading the test involves measuring the induration at 48 to 72 hours after administration, and interpretation depends on risk factors and induration size. This test does not diagnose active TB, does not measure bacterial load, and does not detect drug resistance; those require imaging, microbiologic testing, and drug-susceptibility testing, respectively.