title: Gastric Aspirate Yield For Children With Suspected Pulmonary Tuberculosis.
abstract: The optimal number of gastric aspirates to diagnose tuberculosis is unclear. Thirty-two of 280 (11%) children in whom gastric aspirates were obtained grew Mycobacterium tuberculosis. First, second, and third specimens yielded initial culture positivity in 24 of 32, 6 of 32, and 2 of 24 cases, respectively. Intermittent positivity and paucibacillary disease necessitate obtaining multiple specimens.
authors.affiliation: Section of Infectious Diseases, and Section of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics.
authors.forename: Andrea T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Cruz
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Baylor College of Medicine.
authors.forename: Paula A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Revell
authors.affiliation: Section of Infectious Diseases, and Office of Infection Control, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas.
authors.forename: Jeffrey R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Starke
keywords: Children; Diagnostic Yield; Gastric Aspirate; Tuberculosis