Scientists are in the process of developing sputum-free tests for diagnosing TB
A top research institute is in the process of developing sputum-free tests using blood, stool, urine and saliva samples. As accurate, fast non-sputum based tests for detection of TB is urgently needed to reduce the diagnosis gap.
IN elderly, children and in extra-pulmonary TB where sputum is not very helpful,- blood, urine, stool or saliva can be used for diagnosing TB.
In blood-based biomarkers scientists are looking at how TB bacteria affects the host’s immune system.
Developing blood-based biomarkers will provide the basis for accurate diagnostic tests for TB in children and predict treatment outcome.
In adults, blood—based biomarkers may be useful for identifying those at risk of TB treatment failure or recurrence of the disease.
Blood biomarkers can help detect extra-pulmonary TB which affects other parts of the body- lymph nodes, bones, brain / kidneys.
Most children aren’t detected for TB as sputum diagnosis isn’t possible for them. At present gastric juice is the choice for detecting TB in paediatric population. Children swallow their sputum, which comes out through their stools, testing which can help to detect pulmonary TB.
To improve this diagnosis, scientists have developed a methodology for the extraction of DNA from stool samples for TB diagnosis in paediatric population.
This method is under validation in the lab and will undergo multicentric studies before being tested on the field.