Simultaneous Screening for Active and Dormant TB Infections Essential for Enhanced Detection: Research
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Synopsis
A new study reveals that simultaneous screening for active and dormant tuberculosis infections can significantly improve detection and outcomes. Researchers from Queen Mary University of London advocate for this dual approach to enhance TB control globally.
Key Takeaways
- Simultaneous screening for active and dormant TB improves detection.
- Proposed by researchers from Queen Mary University of London.
- Addresses limitations of current TB screening methods.
- Can benefit high-risk groups, especially migrants.
- Incorporating TBI tests enhances screening accuracy.
New Delhi, April 26 (NationPress) Conducting screenings for both active and dormant tuberculosis (TB) infections at the same time can significantly enhance detection rates, which is crucial for improved health outcomes, as per a recent study.
The innovative approach, introduced by a research team from Queen Mary University of London, has the potential to lower infection rates and save lives. This method addresses the shortcomings of existing TB screening processes, which often fail to accurately identify the disease.
Dr. Dominik Zenner, Clinical Reader in Infectious Disease Epidemiology at Queen Mary, stated, "To effectively combat global TB, it is vital to identify and treat the disease early in high-risk groups. Our groundbreaking screening algorithms demonstrate that simultaneous testing for both active and dormant TB can be achieved with high precision, particularly for migrants from regions where TB is prevalent, thereby enhancing benefits for both individuals and communities."
The researchers aim for this innovative method, which has been detailed in the European Respiratory Journal, to guide global health organizations and decision-makers regarding the most effective TB screening strategies.
TB remains the most lethal infectious disease worldwide, with an estimated 10.8 million new cases and 1.25 million deaths recorded in 2023.
This infection can exist in a dormant state within the body for several years without manifesting symptoms, yet it may lead to active disease in the future, particularly among individuals at elevated risk.
Thus, accurate testing for both active and dormant infections is critically important in screening initiatives, as emphasized by the researchers.
The research team analyzed data from 13 different TB tests referenced in 437 original studies and published systematic reviews. This comprehensive data set was utilized to evaluate the effectiveness of screening tests in accurately identifying TB while minimizing false-positive results.
The findings revealed that incorporating certain immunological tests for dormant TB infection (TBI tests) enhanced the value of TB screening algorithms. TBI tests could facilitate earlier diagnoses of more elusive forms of TB, including extrapulmonary TB (which occurs outside the lungs) and TB affecting children.
This innovative strategy challenges the current protocols for TB testing, which typically restrict TBI tests to diagnosing dormant TB only.
