Tuberculosis (TB) is the second leading cause of death in Papua New Guinea (PNG). TB diagnosis can be challenging. 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.

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