After a patient is infected with TB, the way certain genes express themselves change. The researchers were able to distinguish how expression in three such genes changes in a consistent enough pattern to identify them, and infer presence of a TB infection, from a blood sample. Traditional testing for TB is performed on mucus coughed up by patients, which can’t always be produced on demand and can be difficult to obtain, delaying diagnosis.
The WHO’s challenge requires the diagnostic to be effective at least 66 percent of the time in a child with an active TB infection. The Khatri test, named for Purvesh Khatri, PhD, whose lab developed the tool, is effective 86 percent of the time. Researchers maintain that the requirements for a positive TB identification are simple enough that it could be performed in the field around the world, making it an effective tool for diagnosing the millions of TB cases that occur worldwide in remote locations.
A third of the world’s population is infected with TB, according to Dr. Khatri. He says the test may be used to differentiate those with active TB — about 10 percent of the infected population — as well as monitor patients with the active version as they are receiving treatment to determine which measures are and are not working.
The researchers are currently gathering funding to expand the test for more widespread use.
More articles on infection control:
What can hospitals do to take a stand against antibiotic resistance? Inside the University of Chicago’s stewardship program
5 animals capable of detecting infections and diseases in humans
Irish study could lead to new targeted treatments for TB
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