According to the World Health Organization, each year there are approximately three million undiagnosed cases of tuberculosis (TB) globally, which are characterized as the 'missing millions.' In a cutting-edge study, scientists have tested a diagnostic device using dielectrophoresis that holds promise for improving TB detection and treatment of patients in high-endemic, under-resourced areas. Bringing diagnostics to the patients who need it most will help meet global targets to reduce the burden of TB. The research results appear in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics.
Lead investigator Philip D. Butcher, Ph.D., St George's, University of London, explained,"The global burden of TB is not improving. Although it is infectious, it is highly treatable. However, affordable diagnostics suitable for implementation at the point of care are needed to reach the 'missing millions.
After optimization using a panel of 50 characterized sputum samples, the performance of the prototype was assessed by a blinded screening of 100 characterized and bio-banked sputum samples provided by the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics . "This chip-based technology exploits the physiological property of the TB bacteria to be specifically collected onto the device so that small numbers can be visualized on the chip electrodes and act as a visual readout to replace the lab-based sputum smear/microscopic methods, which typically have low detection rates and require training laboratory staff, at molecular-like sensitivities and at a fraction of the price.
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