New Tuberculosis Test Detects Infection Sooner

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Posted: 6:58 AM Jul 2, 2008
Last Updated: 10:31 AM Jul 3, 2008

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A new test for drug-resistant tuberculosis can detect the infection in two days, instead of the typical two to three months.

Statistics show five percent of new TB cases are resistant to first-line treatments.

Experts at the World Health Organization say the new test, called a line probe assay, looks for genes linked to drug resistance.

Detecting this strain of the bacteria early could help doctors start proper treatment sooner, and potentially curb its spread. The test is not approved in the U.S. yet.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: lori Location: Albany, NY on Jul 2, 2008 at 01:28 PM
TB is not a virus! It is a mycobacterium.

Editor's Note: The story has been updated.

Posted by: Fred Location: Washington on Jul 2, 2008 at 07:58 AM
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection. It is not a viral infection.

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