New test for TB could save thousands of lives, say UCT researchers
A new urine-based test‚ similar to those used to determine pregnancy‚ being used to diagnose tuberculosis (TB) could save thousands of lives in SA. Researchers from the University of Cape Town found that the TB-LAM urine test was a "simple and inexpensive" way to test for TB among hospitalised patients with HIV. The findings were published in the BMC Medicine Journal this month to coincide with TB Awareness Month. The test‚ which detects components of the cell wall of the TB bacterium in urine‚ was proven to be more efficient than traditional rapid sputum-based tests. Researcher Graeme Meintjes said that the findings could reduce mortality among HIV-infected patients admitted to hospital by speeding up the diagnosis of TB. "The findings of these studies challenge the dogma that the first place to look for TB is in the sputum‚" he said. In 2014, TB overtook HIV as the number-one killer of all infectious diseases in SA and globally. According to Stats SA‚ TB killed more than 33,000 pe...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.