Diagnostics of latent tuberculosis infection in children and adolescents using diaskintest in the Republic of Azerbaij

Objective: To determine the prevalence of latent and active tuberculosis infection among children under 17 years of age living in Baku using modern diagnostic methods.Materials and Methods: A total of 300 clinically healthy children were examined. The diagnostic algorithm included the Mantoux test with 2 TU PPD-L, Diaskintest, and the interferon-ɣ release assay (QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus). In cases of positive results or clinical indications chest radiography and bacteriological studies were performed. Results: Latent tuberculosis infection was detected in 28% of the examined children, while active tuberculosis was diagnosed in 2%. In 4% of cases, changes were identified that require follow-up observation.The most diagnostically valuable methods for detecting latent infection were IGRA and Diaskintest. Conclusion: The study confirms the high prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection among children and highlights the need for active screening using highly specific diagnostic tools.