Expert interview: Microbiologists on tuberculosis diagnostics

Diagnosis of tuberculosis and drug-resistant tuberculosis remains difficult, with one-third of people with TB and two-thirds of people with drug-resistant tuberculosis not being detected. It is critical that professionals are well-versed in the strategies and solutions for the challenges that tuberculosis entails. New diagnosis strategies must be developed in accordance with WHO’s goal of achieving universal health coverage and preventing deaths from a disease that is preventable, treatable, and curable.

Educational aims

The webinar aims to create an open space for discussion, focused on the analysis of contemporary TB diagnosis strategies adapted to different contexts and to promote critical reflection on practices related to current (and future) tuberculosis diagnosis strategies.

Topics

• Diagnosis of TB disease and infection: WHO approved diagnostics;
• Algorithms for TB diagnosis for different settings;
• Selection of appropriate diagnostic platforms;
• Role of next generation sequencing [NGS];
• Strategy for adoption of NGS at country level for diagnosis of DR and surveillance;
• Future of TB Diagnosis: Alternative to sputum, lessons learnt from COVID diagnostics.

Learning outcomes

Following this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Understand strengths and limitations of available diagnostics for TB;
• Understand the process of WHO endorsement;
• Understand the possibilities and gaps on implementation of molecular diagnostics based on next generation sequencing;
• Know what to expect in the future.