Rapid Test Detects Multi-Drug-Resistant TB

Tuberculosis (TB) drug resistance is a major public health problem. A new diagnostic test for multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) provides results in only two days.

The new test is much faster than conventional methods that take weeks to yield results. Molecular tests for MDR-TB are also rapid but are much more technically complicated and expensive. The FastPlaque-Response was developed by the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics FIND (Geneva, Switzerland), which is a Bill and Melinda Gates initiative, and Biotec Laboratories Ltd. (Ipswich, UK). The test has been registered in Europe and is in the process of being evaluated by FIND for use within the public health sector of countries where there is a high incidence of TB.

MDR-TB refers to drug resistance to at least two key TB drugs, isoniazid and rifampicin. It is an increasing health risk and a threat to TB control programs. Treatment of MDR-TB requires use of less-effective, more toxic, and expensive drugs for longer periods. Recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO, Geneva, Switzerland) indicates that there are 450,000 new cases of MDR-TB each year. Patients with MDR-TB are less likely to be cured, and delayed detection of MDR-TB leads to a worse prognosis for the patient and increased potential for transmission of the disease within the population.



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