New TB diagnosis method found

Laboratory scientists have discovered a cheaper and faster way to diagnose tuberculosis (TB) compared to traditional methods.

According to the report, published by the Society for Applied Microbiology's Journal of Applied Microbiology, a major obstacle in the prevention of TB, especially in developing countries, is the slow and expensive diagnosis process.

Those infected with TB may not experience any symptoms for months or even years but without treatment the infection is fatal.

Dr Olivier Braissant and his colleagues used a microcalorimeter to detect the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a process that was faster than growing the bacteria in the lab and, with a cultivation period of 5.5 to 12.5 days, as fast as other more expensive methods.

The method has only been tested in a laboratory setting so now needs to be trialled in the outside world.

"Microcalorimeters have already been shipped to Tanzania and we hope to start a first validation of our approach in the field before the end of the year," Dr Braissant explained.