Advances in the Diagnosis of Tuberculosis: The Way Forward for Resource-Poor Countries: Review

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly contagious disease and requires rapid diagnosis for case detection and treatment. In order to appraise the impact of laboratory diagnosis of TB on current efforts to control the disease, available tests for the diagnosis of TB in both developed and developing countries were reviewed from leading journal articles and TB websites. Current trends in TB diagnosis showed that sputum smear microscopy is the basis of diagnosis for tuberculosis in developing countries has been adopted for case detection in tuberculosis control programmes. In contrast, the trend in developed countries reveals the availability of sophisticated, rapid tests that compliment smear microscopy. Although it is common knowledge that the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the poor nations of world is a major contributory factor to the heightening incidence of TB in those nations, it may be necessary to insinuate other more subtle factors. Among such factors may be the state of laboratory diagnosis that directly impacts on case detection. Perhaps a strengthening a strengthening of laboratory facilities in resource-limited countries of the world may effectively reduce the continued increase in TB case notification in these countries.

Key Words: Tuberculosis, Diagnosis, Smear Microscopy, Rapid Methods, Culture

Mary Slessor Journal of Medicine Vol.4(1) 2004: 18-26