Fighting back against TB

Tuberculosis (TB) has taken a backseat over the last few decades as it has not received the funding appropriate to such a major health threat to the developing world. The World Health Organization (WHO) published statistics last month showing that worldwide TB rates are stabilising. Interestingly, however, there are a few countries where TB rates are increasing. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has released statistics showing that the UK has seen a 2% increase (the only European country where TB is actually on the rise) and in African countries where HIV/TB co-infection is rife, TB deaths have quadrupled over the last 15 years. Clearly, tuberculosis is making a comeback – the disease is stronger now than ever before, and is rapidly becoming more drug-resistant with a number of mutant forms. In fact, TB is second only to HIV as the world’s deadliest infectious disease, claiming a life every 20 seconds. One of the key obstacles in controlling TB infection is the extremely poor diagnostic methods that currently exist. This article will examine those current diagnostics and reveal details of a new test that is set to change the way that TB is diagnosed and ultimately controlled throughout the world.

Global TB targets

Over the last year, the World Health Organization has expressed concern that they may not be able to reach the targets for TB as defined in the UN’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). These targets for 2015 included minimum requirements for cases detected and treated and require falling rates of TB incidence. Additionally, as defined by the “Stop TB Partnership” in 2006, prevalence and mortality rates should be halved from 1990 rates. This would essentially mean 50 million people would receive treatment and 14 million lives would be saved. As we know, early detection and proper treatment are essential to combat TB. UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki- Moon, said that the global rate of decline was “far too slow,” and argued that although “the epidemic is continuing its decline, the rate of decline is far too slow. Unless we accelerate action, the numbers of those falling ill will continue to grow.” A 2008 report said: “The detection rate increased only marginally to 61%, short of the 65% benchmark for 2006 contained in the ‘Stop TB Partnership’ Global Plan and the ultimate target of 70%.”