Abstract:
Mycobacterial infections and tuberculosis pose global public health threats. High tuberculosis
morbidities and mortalities are due to the diagnosis problems among other
causes. This chapter describes and compares diverse mycobacterial infections and tuberculosis
diagnostic efforts and point-out the direction so as to inform areas of and motivate
research toward early, rapid, and accurate diagnosis for effective TB control. We have
grouped diagnostic approaches according to the type of sample taken for or organ targeted
during diagnosis. The sputum-based methods include smear microscopy, culture,
and rat sniffing. Interferon-γ (INF-γ) release assays, transcriptional blood signatures, and
proteomic profiling use blood samples while colorimetric sensor array (CSA) and mass
spectrometry use urine samples. Patho-physiological methods include tuberculin skin
tests (TSTs) and radiography. Chromatography and acoustic wave detection can also be
used to diagnose TB from breath. Comparative description of these methods is based on a
time frame to diagnosis, accuracy, cost, and convenience. The trend shows that there is a
move from time-consuming, slow and narrow-spectrum to quick and broad-spectrum TB
diagnostic procedures. The sputum-based and patho-physiological approaches remain
conformist while blood-based procedures lead research developments. Absence of single
best approach calls for synergistic research combinations that form accurate, rapid,
cheap, and convenient package at point-of-care centers.
