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Tb Truenat 510X288

Diagnostic accuracy of Molbio Truenat for diagnosis of TB and rifampicin resistance

Tuberculosis (TB) is the second leading cause of death in Papua New Guinea (PNG). GeneXpert MTB/rif a molecular diagnostic for TB has greater sensitivity and specificity than microscopy. However, GeneXpert requires electricity and is costly. New molecular TB diagnostics implementable at the microscopy level are a research priority.

There is an urgent need for accurate, battery operated and cheaper TB diagnostics.

Objective

The Truenat-MTB/MTB-RIF-Dx reflex assays (Molbio Diagnostics; India) utilise chip-based real-time micro-PCR for detection of TB and rifampicin resistance from samples in 25-120 minutes. They are battery and phone operated devices that can be used in peripheral sites. An accurate point-of-care, portable test such as the Molbio Truenat MTB has the potential to make a significant impact globally, and in countries such as PNG.

PNG is one of 4 countries participating in this FIND sponsored multi-country diagnostic accuracy trial, evaluating sensitivity, specificity, and patient important outcomes.

Timeline

2019–mid-2020.

Partners

Funding partners

  • Foundation for Innovative Diagnostics

Collaborators

  • PNG Institute of Medical Research
  • Port Moresby General Hospital,The PNG Central Public Health
  • Laboratory
  • Victorian Infectious Disease Reference Laboratory
  • PNG National TB Program

Project contacts

Dr Philipp du Cros

Dr Philipp du Cros

Co-Head Tuberculosis Elimination & Implementation Science; Principal Research Fellow
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Project team

Dr Philipp du Cros

Dr Philipp du Cros

Co-Head Tuberculosis Elimination & Implementation Science; Principal Research Fellow
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Dr Jane Greig

Dr Jane Greig

Co-Head, Pacific Infectious Diseases (Operational Research, Surveillance and Resilience) Working Group; Senior Operational Epidemiologist
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