The number of children developing tuberculosis (TB) worldwide is likely to be far higher than initial World Health Organization estimates, a new study suggests.
According to the researchers, more than 650,000 children worldwide develop TB each year, and 15 million are living in homes with adults with TB.
The figure is almost 25% higher than WHO estimates from 2012.
To estimate the number of children with TB, the researchers took into account the natural behaviour of the bacteria and the adult TB rates in 22 countries with the highest levels of disease.
The study authors said their findings highlight the opportunity for preventive antibiotic treatment among children living with a TB-infected adult.
Read more at Imperial College London