Basic and Clinical Sciences (BCSE) Practice Exam

What is the most common type of childhood TB?

1. Extrapulmonary TB

2. Primary TB

3. Pulmonary TB

4. Latent TB infection

The correct answer is: Pulmonary TB

The most common type of childhood tuberculosis is indeed pulmonary TB. In children, TB infection often manifests primarily in the lungs, similar to adults. However, the presentation and progression can vary because children can have a strong immune response that may contain the infection, leading to less severe symptoms upfront compared to adults. Primary TB is a term that refers to the initial infection, which may not always lead to clinical disease. Many children may become infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but they may not develop active pulmonary disease; instead, they might have latent TB, where the bacteria remain dormant and do not cause symptoms. Extrapulmonary TB is also noteworthy in children; it can occur but is less common than pulmonary TB in this demographic. Extrapulmonary manifestations, though significant when they occur, do not represent the majority of TB cases in children. Understanding that pulmonary TB is the most common manifestation in children is crucial for diagnosis and treatment, as early recognition and intervention can prevent complications and further spread of the disease.