New test and shorter treatment for complicated TB

Patients with complicated tuberculosis globally have been handed a lifeline with the approval of a new rapid diagnostic test and shorter treatment time. On Thursday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said patients with Multi Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) can be introduced to a shorter treatment time of between nine months to one year, reducing the current treatment time by half.

The global health body has also recommended use of the Line Probe Assay test for the faster detection of the resistant tuberculosis within 24 hours from the current culture test that takes three to four months to convey results and thus delays in beginning treatment.