A SYSTEMIC REVIEW ON TUBERCULOSIS: DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

In developed countries worldwide, tuberculosis is an endemic condition. The early and conclusive diagnosis of Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) is important for avoiding death and spreading disease, both at the person and population level. Diagnostics commonly available can be widely divided into techniques focused on microscopy, culture, and molecular methods. The Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAA), Line Probe Assay, and Cartridge Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CB NAAT) are three advanced molecular approaches that are listed. All these diagnostic strategies, however, either have weakened sensitivity or require costly instruments that eventually restrict their usefulness as a proven form of diagnosis. Sputum microscopy, which detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in a clinical sample, is currently used as an easy and inexpensive diagnostic test for TB. The sub-optimal sensitivity of this test is based first on the abundance of Mtb in the sample and secondly on the accuracy of the operator. Culture-based diagnostic studies, on the other hand, are time intensive and reliant on knowledge and infrastructure. Likewise, molecular experiments often rely on expensive instrumentation and complexity in scientific visualization. An easy, sensitive and inexpensive diagnostic approach for early-stage Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis diagnosis is therefore still a primary requirement.