Patient selection: child < 13 years of age
Prevalance of pulmonary tuberculosis: high
Findings associated with pulmonary tuberculosis:
(1) persistent, nonremitting cough that lasts for more than 2 weeks
(2) objective evidence of weight loss over the past 3 months
(3) fatigue and/or decreased activity since onset of coughing
The presence of all 3 findings is highly suggestive of pulmonary tuberculosis, especially in an HIV-negative child >= 3 years old.
Additional findings suggesting pulmonary tuberculosis:
(1) positive tuberculin skin test
(2) household or other close contact with an adult with active tuberculosis (if HIV positive)
(3) persistence of nonremitting cough at followup
