An evaluation of current diagnostic methods for tuberculosis in resource-poor areas and a proposal for a more sensitive test

McGuirk, Helen (2014) An evaluation of current diagnostic methods for tuberculosis in resource-poor areas and a proposal for a more sensitive test. Master Essay, University of Pittsburgh.

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Abstract

Tuberculosis is a uniquely tough disease to diagnose and treat, mainly due to its unique cell membrane, the environment, and other socio-cultural factors. As HIV and TB rates rise in endemic countries, more and more people are becoming susceptible to an incurable TB infection, and more are being missed in the diagnostic process. Now, the need for a more sensitive diagnostic test that can be easily used in resource-poor settings is more necessary than ever. In this essay, a review of current TB diagnostic techniques used in resource-poor settings is discussed, as well as their drawbacks for detecting TB in the various forms of TB disease. To illustrate this point, one TB diagnostic clinic located in South India, is used as an example of how current techniques are used in resource-poor settings. Finally, the gold standard of TB diagnostics is compared to an already existing method adapted with the cheap and easy-to-use TB Beads. If TB Beads are in fact able to detect mycobacterium better, faster, and cheaper than other methods available, its importance in global public health and the control of TB disease is beyond measurable.

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Details

Item Type:	Other Thesis, Dissertation, or Long Paper (Master Essay)
Status:	Unpublished
Creators/Authors:	Creators Email Pitt Username ORCID McGuirk, Helen
Contributors:	Contribution Contributors Name Email Pitt Username ORCID Committee Chair Gupta, Phalguni pgupta1@pitt.edu PGUPTA1 UNSPECIFIED Committee Member Ojha, Anil K ano7@pitt.edu ANO7 UNSPECIFIED Committee Member Bunker, Clareann bunkerc@pitt.edu BUNKERC UNSPECIFIED
Date:	April 2014
Date Type:	Publication
Defense Date:	22 April 2014
Submission Date:	22 April 2014
Access Restriction:	No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately.
Publisher:	University of Pittsburgh
Institution:	University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs:	School of Public Health > Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
Degree:	MPH - Master of Public Health
Thesis Type:	Master Essay
Refereed:	Yes
Date Deposited:	26 May 2015 16:55
Last Modified:	11 Mar 2021 05:59
URI:	http://d-scholarship-dev.library.pitt.edu/id/eprint/21431

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