The use of topical zinc in tuberculin test

Abstract

Background Diagnosing tuberculosis in children is difficult, with under-diagnosis or over-diagnosis commonly occurring. The tuberculin test as a supporting examination for tuberculosis infection has a false negative value rate of 10-25%. Also, a majority of children with tuberculosis have lower plasma zinc levels than healthy children. Zinc deficiency may impair the immune response, leading to more false negative skin-test results.