New tools for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of tuberculosis
As new tools for TB, defined as new diagnostics, drugs and vaccines, become available, it is essential they be optimally adopted in TB control programmes, and only implemented in areas where they have proven efficacy and impact. To support Member States in the process of introducing new tools in their TB control programmes and/or strategies, the TB programme has engaged in developing and providing evidence-based guidance on defined new tools for TB control. This is performed in accordance with ECDC procedures on the development of guidance, in which a scientific panel of external experts assesses and expresses their opinion on the presented scientific evidence. The scientific panel is selected by the ECDC’s Chief Scientist and endorsed by the ECDC Director, based on their expertise in TB control, as well as lack of Conflict of Interest.
Available guidance
ECDC Guidance: Use of Interferon Gamma Release Assays in support of TB diagnosis
The interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) are blood-based diagnostic assays for the diagnosis of TB infection. The assays are commercially available and several EU/EEA countries already use the IGRAs for diagnosing latent TB infection. The ECDC identified the need to provide guidance on the applicability of the IGRAs as more Member States are considering their implementation.
2011: Ongoing guidance-development
ECDC Guidance: Molecular methods for rapid M. tuberculosis detection and drug-susceptibility testing
Molecular methods for the diagnosis of TB and drug-resistance are already available and formally recommended by the WHO. Furthermore, new and improved platforms are now leaving the development pipeline. To support Member States as they introduce these tools in TB control programmes/strategies, the TB programme, together with the European Reference Laboratory Network for Tuberculosis (ERLN-TB), is currently developing guidance on the use of Molecular methods for rapid M. tuberculosis detection and drug-susceptibility testing.
More on this topic
Strategic and technical advisory group for tuberculosis (STAG-TB)
Strategic and technical advisory group for tuberculosis (STAG-TB) meeting report: Session 6. Evidence and policy on use of line-probe assays (2008)
Strategic and technical advisory group for tuberculosis (STAG-TB) meeting report: Session 4. Diagnostics policies (B): Use of commercial IGRAs in low-income and middle-income countries. (2010)
Strategic and technical advisory group for tuberculosis (STAG-TB) meeting report: Session 4. Diagnostics policies (C): Xpert MTB/RIF system. (2010)
The Stop TB Partnership ‘work group on introducing new approaches and tools for enhanced TB control’ has developed a guidance document on the adoption, introduction and implementation of new tools