New rapid TB test to be developed

Scientists have been given funding to develop a new rapid TB test for humans and animals. 

The test will be simple enough to be carried out by any vet or healthcare worker, and will be more sensitive and significantly quicker than current tests.  

Supported by funding from UKRI, the project brings together experts in tuberculosis, veterinary medicine, microbiology, microwave and photonic engineering.

Decimating herds

The high prevalence of TB in cattle in parts of the UK has a major effect on both the livelihoods and wellbeing of farmers. 

The surveillance, diagnostic testing, badger culling and vaccination costs the UK government alone a total of £100 million per year.

Professor Les Baillie, professor of microbiology at the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Cardiff University, and co-lead on the project said: 

“Tuberculosis is a particular problem for farmers in Wales who have seen bovine TB decimate herds across the country. Diagnosis of the early stages of infection is challenging due to the lack of rapid, accurate tests.

“To address this, we are working with colleagues from Aberystwyth University to advance the development of a real-time test capable to detecting the presence of the pathogen in clinical and environmental samples.”

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Optical device 

Aberystwyth experts will lead on the development and evaluation of an optical device which will for the first time attempt to solve issues with sample impurities and sensitivities. 

Professor Nigel Copner, head of the Business School and academic lead for the Engineering Unit at Aberystwyth University said:

“PCR testing is the gold standard for detecting pathogens but requires special processing for high sensitivity. 

“However, most detection methods struggle with sample impurities.

“Using techniques developed in Cardiff, the photonics team at Aberystwyth University has innovated a method that enables high sensitivity detection directly from on-site samples, without needing time-consuming purification. 

“If successful, this technique could achieve near-PCR sensitivity at the point of sampling, potentially revolutionising pathogen pandemic management.”

Wider roll out

Further investment in the project will allow the new technology to be reduced in both size and cost to create a simple, low-cost detector, which will have particular benefit for use in developing countries. 

The platform can be easily adapted to detect most other pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2 and MRSA, and could become an important tool to help control the spread of future pandemics.

The project has been awarded nearly £1.2 million and is one of 36 projects being funded by the £32.4 million UKRI cross research council responsive mode pilot scheme. 

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