Point of Care Tuberculosis Diagnostics in Developing World

Abstract

The aim of this project is to develop a cost effective point of care (POC) microfluidic diagnostic device to detect the presence of active tuberculosis (TB) in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) co-infected individuals in developing countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 8.8 million people develop new cases of active TB each year in addition to the many millions of untreated existing cases. Current TB diagnostic tests are less accurate in detecting active TB in HIV co-infected individuals. Hence, the development of a fast, affordable, portable and handheld device to accurately detect active TB is necessary. As there are different stages of TB infection, it is important to detect the presence and progress of the infection. Our device design utilizes a serological assay in a microfluidic device, incorporating protein antigen microarrays spotted onto nitrocellulose, to detect TB at various stages of the disease. Features of the design include a microfilter to separate serum from the blood sample to be used, a passive pump to ensure uniform continuous flow, and an immunosensor to detect and analyze results.