Tongue swab Mycobacterium tuberculosis qPCR for community screening of asymptomatic TB vs. clinic-based triage of symptomatic TB

Rachel C. Wood; Alaina M. Olson; Katherine A. Lochner; Rane B. Dragovich; Alexey Ball; Amy Steadman; Tahlia Perumal; Simon C. Mendelsohn; Humphrey C Mulenga; Michèle Tameris; Denis Awany; Tumelo Moloantoa; Stephanus T. Malherbe; Austin Katona; Hilary Vansell; Kris M. Weigel; Firdows Noor; Ravindre Panchia; Khuthadzo Hlongwane; Kim Stanley; Yuri van der Heijden; Katie Hadley; Gerhard Walzl; Thomas Scriba; Neil Martinson; Keertan U.J. Dheda; Alasdair Leslie; Bernard Fourie; Timothy R Sterling; G. Cangelosi; Mark Hatherill; the RePORT South Africa Study Team

doi:10.64898/2026.02.12.26346160

Key Points

Sensitivity for asymptomatic TB screening using tongue swab qPCR is about half that compared to screening for symptomatic TB.
Approximately half of facility-based triage was achieved, indicating low efficacy of community-based screening methods.
Assessment shows a correlation between increased radiographic severity and enhanced sensitivity in detecting asymptomatic TB.
Results highlight the limitations of using tongue swabs for effective TB community screening, particularly for asymptomatic cases.

Implication

Sensitivity of tongue swab qPCR for asymptomatic TB is low compared to symptomatic TB screening, suggesting limited utility.

Abstract

Sensitivity of tongue swab high-volume qPCR for community-based, household screening for asymptomatic TB was low, approximately half that of facility-based triage for symptomatic TB, but increased with radiographic severity and sputum bacillary load.

Discussion

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Cite This Study

Wood et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69a7612fc6e9836116a2edfb https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.02.12.26346160

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Tongue swab Mycobacterium tuberculosis qPCR for community screening of asymptomatic TB vs. clinic-based triage of symptomatic TB

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Tongue swab Mycobacterium tuberculosis qPCR for community screening of asymptomatic TB vs. clinic-based triage of symptomatic TB

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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