Hopes rest on a new rapid diagnostic test for tuberculosis (TB)

One of the best chances of stemming the tide of tuberculosis (TB) epidemic in low- and middle- income countries is to thwart the transmission cycle – by diagnosing TB early, and treating it successfully without delay. The microscope has been around since 1882 as the key standard TB diagnostic tool, and with low sensitivity (50-60%) and other challenges in detecting TB in varying conditions and co-morbidities, it is clear that it is high time we use better, more effective and efficient tools to accurately detect TB, and neither mis-diagnose nor miss TB diagnosis in myriad settings. Read more

Early diagnosis and treatment for tuberculosis can turn the tide

Although significant advances in tuberculosis (TB) control have taken place over the past years, the TB levels are not going down as fast as expected earlier (10% decline every year was projected). Not to say that commendable work hasn’t happened in TB control – rather TB control has received major thrust over the past decade certainly in terms of programming, strategy (new Global Plan to Stop TB 2011-2015 was just released in October 2010), funding and research initiatives as well. However despite of all the good, the new TB cases continue to emerge and TB levels haven't reduced as earlier estimated (TB rates are coming down, but coming down too slowly). Read more

International Symposium on TB Diagnostics: Innovating to make an impact

The "International Symposium on TB Diagnostics: Innovating to make an impact" (ITBS 2010) shall soon be held in New Delhi, India during 16-17 December 2010. It is being organized by the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB). ITBS 2010 is being co-sponsored by Aeras Global TB Vaccine Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND). Read more