Knowledge That Saves Lives
Discover a curated selection of scientific resources, including our exclusive TB Booklet offering key insights into tuberculosis.
We are thrilled to announce our Global Webinar on TB Testing titled:“A Holistic Approach to TB Testing: Integrating BD MAX™ Multi Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) assay and BD BACTEC™ Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT)”.
This webinar presents an exciting opportunity to connect with our customers, offering them critical insights into the importance of accurate and timely diagnosis of tuberculosis, especially MDR-TB. With your support, we can maximize its impact by driving strong attendance and delivering real value to our customers.
- Date: Wednesday, January 14th, 2026
- Time: 10 AM PST, 1 PM EST, 7 PM CET
- Register here
Download The TB Booklet
Download our TB Booklet and Discover the key challenges and how you can make a difference.
New tools for TB Diagnosis: A look at the transition of the South African TB diagnostic algorithm
Dr. Farzana Ismail
Center for TB National Reference Lab National Institute for Communicable Diseases
WHO Supranational Reference Lab,
Johannesbourg, South Africa
Content:
Recent experiences on new tools for TB diagnosis.
A deep look at the transition of the recent South African TB diagnostic algorithm.
Advances on diagnostics of tuberculosis and management: Quantum leaps or continuous hard work
Dr. Harald Hoffmann
Medical Managing Director
SYNLAB Gauting
WHO Supranational Reference Lab,
Gauting, Germany
Content:
Diagnostic methods for tuberculosis (TB)
Role of Drug Susceptibility Testing (DST)
Rational Use of Anti-TB Drugs Based on DST Results
Advancements in TB Diagnostics and Future Considerations
GLOBAL IMPACT OF TB
- An Estimated 1.25 million people died of TB in 2023.1
- Globally, an estimated 10.8 million people developed TB in 2023, taking the spot for number 1 most infectious disease, surpassing COVID-19.2,3
- Reduced access to TB diagnosis and treatment has resulted in reductions in the number of people provided with treatment for drig-resistant TB and an increase in TB deaths.1
- Drug Resistance continues to be a public health threat.4
- Multidrug resistant TB/rifampicin resistant TB cases have decreased from 410k in 2021 to 400k in 2023.4
The WHO now recommends prioritizing shorter, all-oral regimens for drug-resistant TB, including two 6-month treatments for MDR/RR-TB (with or without fluoroquinolone resistance), several 9-month regimens for cases without fluoroquinolone resistance, and longer 18-20 month regimens with injectables as a last resort.5
Rapid and Accurate Diagnosis Is Essential for TB
Diagnostic testing is a critical step in TB care, enabling early and effective treatment, especially when drug resistance is present.6
Since 2011, rapid molecular tests have significantly transformed TB diagnostics, moving away from traditional methods like microscopy and culture.6
Despite improvements, the use of WHO-recommended rapid diagnostic tests (WRDs) remains limited and far below the 100% coverage target set for 2027.6
Bacteriological Testing
- TB cases confirmed via molecular tests, LF-LAM assays, smear microscopy, or culture are considered bacteriologically confirmed.6,7
- Microbiological detection and culture confirmation are important as they ensure accurate diagnosis and enable for selection of the most effective treatment regimen based on drug resistance.6
- In 2023, 62% of pulmonary TB cases were bacteriologically confirmed, showing gradual improvement from 55% in 2018.6
- The African and European regions saw improvements in reducing TB incidence while other regions remained stable or declined slightly.6
Molecular Testing
- In 2023, WRDs were used as the initial test for 48% of newly diagnosed TB cases, up slightly from previous years.8
- The European Region had the highest WRD coverage (78%).8
- The global target for 2027 is 100% WRD coverage, emphasizing the need for accelerated adoption and scale-up.8
