The World Health Organization (WHO) released key updates on new molecular assays to diagnosis tuberculosis (TB) and drug resistance in adults, according to a WHO news release.
The WHO said that diagnosis of TB and drug-resistant TB remains a challenge with a third of people with TB and more than a half of people with drug-resistant TB not receiving quality diagnosis and care globally. To address this challenge, WHO convened a meeting of a Guideline Development Group in December 2020, to update WHO policies on molecular assays used for the diagnosis of TB and drug resistance.
Highlights from the evidence reviewed and presented in a Rapid Communication show high diagnostic accuracy for 3 new classes of technologies:
· Moderate complexity automated Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs), for detection of TB and resistance to rifampicin and isoniazid
· Low complexity automated NAATs for detection of resistance to isoniazid and second-line anti-TB agents
· High complexity hybridization-based NAATs for detection of resistance to pyrazinamide
The WHO expects to release updated official guidelines later in 2021.
