But scientists are working toward better options.
Shapiro was part of a committee that reviewed the evidence for a new TB tongue swab test, based on research from UW. Based on Shapiro and her colleagues’ recommendation, the WHO endorsed the approach earlier this month. The tongue swab test will help identify people with signs of TB who need additional diagnostics.
“It’s hugely advantageous to both the vaccine enterprise and other TB prevention strategies, and also for people living with HIV, to be able to offer more, easier diagnostics that increase the reach and increase the yield of who has access to TB diagnostics,” Shapiro said.
Fred Hutch researchers are also working toward TB biomarkers that could form the basis of an easy-to-administer test to help find people at high risk of disease, Fiore-Gartland…