International Research Journal of Education and Technology

Tuberculosis (TB), a global health threat, requires rapid, accurate, and cost-effective diagnostic approaches to combat its transmission and drug resistance. Molecular diagnostic tools, including nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and next-generation sequencing (NGS), have revolutionized TB detection, offering enhanced sensitivity and specificity. This paper explores the future of TB diagnostics, focusing on the development and integration of molecular approaches. It delves into the effectiveness, challenges, and innovations of molecular diagnostics, including CRISPR-based assays, microfluidic devices, and isothermal amplification techniques. The paper also examines the integration of digital health tools for real-time data reporting and decision-making. Despite the advancements, challenges such as high costs, infrastructure demands, and accessibility in low- and middle-income countries remain significant barriers. This review aims to highlight the potential of these molecular tools to transform TB diagnosis, with an emphasis on overcoming existing limitations to enhance accessibility and affordability, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Keywords: Tuberculosis, molecular diagnostics, NAATs, GeneXpert, next-generation sequencing, CRISPR, microfluidics, isothermal amplification, digital health, accessibility, resource-limited settings.