Improving tuberculosis diagnosis in Swiss children

Evaluation and Validation of Novel Immunodiagnostic Tests for Childhood Tuberculosis Infection and Disease in Switzerland. The CITRUS (ChIldhood TubeRcUlosis in Switzerland) Study.

Observational University Children's Hospital Basel · NCT03044509

This study is testing new blood tests to see if they can better diagnose tuberculosis in children compared to current methods.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment190 (estimated)
AgesN/A to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Children's Hospital Basel Academic / other
Locations8 sites (Aarau and 7 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03044509 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to enhance the sensitivity of novel immunodiagnostic tests for detecting tuberculosis (TB) in children. It involves measuring various parameters in blood samples and comparing them with existing diagnostic standards for TB. The study will evaluate several new M. tuberculosis-specific antigens and cytokines, as well as perform NMR analysis to identify metabolomic signatures associated with TB infection and disease. The goal is to establish biomarkers that can effectively differentiate between TB infection and disease in pediatric patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children and adolescents under 18 years old who are being evaluated for TB exposure, infection, or disease.

Not a fit: Patients who have already started anti-mycobacterial treatment or have been previously treated for TB will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate and timely diagnosis of tuberculosis in children, improving treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in improving TB diagnostics using novel immunodiagnostic approaches, indicating potential for success in this study.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* all children / adolescents \< 18 years of age undergoing evaluation for TB exposure, infection or disease.

Exclusion Criteria:

* children / adolescents with TB infection or disease who have already been started on anti-mycobacterial treatment, children who have been treated for TB previously.

Where this trial is running

Aarau and 7 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions TuberculosisMycobacterium TuberculosisImmunodiagnostics testsTB exposureLatent TBTB diseaseBiomarkersMetabolomics
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.