Tuberculous Meningitis in Children: a Review Article

Purpose of Review Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) in children may mimic bacterial meningitis in the early stages. Being a subacute illness, early symptoms may be missed leading to clinical deterioration and late presentation. This review helps to highlight the clinical manifestations, newer diagnostic tests, and newer treatment guidelines of TBM in children. Recent Findings Newer tests like nuclei acid amplification tests (NAATs), line probe assays (LPAs), MGIT, antigen detection, and biomarkers are now available on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to aid diagnosis to help provide early management and prevent complications. Recent studies have helped optimize the treatment of TBM to prevent long-term neurological sequelae. Co-infection with HIV requires prompt treatment with anti-tubercular drugs and combination antiretroviral therapy. With early diagnosis and prompt treatment, the risk of death can be reduced and neurological outcome improved.