Diagnostics for pulmonary tuberculosis

Postgrad Med J. 2016 Apr;92(1086):187-93. doi: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2015-133278.

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of human suffering and mortality despite decades of effective treatment being available. Accurate and timely diagnosis remains an unmet goal. The HIV epidemic has also led to new challenges in the diagnosis of TB. Several new developments in TB diagnostics have the potential to positively influence the global campaign against TB. We aim to review the performance of both established as well as new diagnostics for pulmonary TB in adults, and discuss the ongoing challenges.

Keywords: INFECTIOUS DISEASES; PUBLIC HEALTH.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Laboratory Techniques
  • Coinfection
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Developing Countries
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis*
  • HIV Infections / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / isolation & purification*
  • Point-of-Care Systems* / economics
  • Point-of-Care Systems* / statistics & numerical data
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / diagnosis*
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / microbiology