Bronchiectasis in children in a high HIV and tuberculosis prevalence setting

Abstract

<b>What the study adds.</b> In this retrospective descriptive study of children aged <16 years with chest computed tomography scan-confirmed bronchiectasis in Johannesburg, South Africa (SA), over a 10-year period, we report that a post-infectious cause for bronchiectasis was the most commonly described, and that HIV was an important contributor. A large proportion of children with bronchiectasis in low- and middle-income countries such as SA do not benefit from an extensive work-up for the non-infectious causes of bronchiectasis.<b>Implications of the findings.</b> With improved access to diagnostic techniques, including improvements in early diagnosis and access to treatment for children living with HIV, the aetiology of bronchiectasis is likely to change in the coming years.