Group Led By WHO Unveils DNA Test For Drug-Resistant TB

Washington (dbTechno) - The World Health Organization, along with many global health partners have announced the launch of a new initiative. The initiative, costing over $26 million, will convert laboratories in poor nations, into genetic testing facilities to test for tuberculosis (TB).

There is a new genetic test for TB. The DNA test is called line probe assay and will allow for doctors to be able to tell within a 24-hour period whether or not someone is infected with a common strain of TB, or a more drug-resistant strain.

This will allow doctors to quickly start the proper treatment methods for patients.

The $26.1 million project will go into effect in more than 12 of the poorest nations in teh world.

Currently, a normal TB test takes weeks to months before they can get back results.

This is not quick enough, as it allows the tuberculosis to spread and grow.

This plan to roll-out DNA testing comes after positive trials which were held in South Africa.

The DNA tests cost an avearge of $5 per test, and training is rather simple. This could lead to it becoming a very powerful and popular tool to battle TB around the world.