In developing nations, the current test to diagnose tuberculosis (TB) is error-prone, complicated and time-consuming. Furthermore, patients in these resource-limited areas can’t easily travel back to a clinic at a later date to get their results. To make diagnoses simpler, faster and more accurate, chemists have developed a quick and easy diagnostic tool. Field trials of the experimental new test began in June in South Africa, which has a high incidence of TB.
The researchers will present their work today at the 252nd National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS). ACS, the world’s largest scientific society, is holding the meeting here through Thursday. It features more than 9,000 presentations on a wide range of science topics.
Worldwide, almost 10 million people become ill with TB, and nearly 2 million die from the disease each year, according to the World Health Organization. The worst-hit regions include Southeast Asia and Africa.
Read more at the American Chemical Society
Learn more: The U.S. Government and Global Tuberculosis Efforts Act Now
