What are the latest tools to isolate TB and why is the PCR test secret service

I have never seen the PCR test talked about much at all & yet I see from research that this Polymerase Chain Reaction method is incredible. Anything that is modern seems to be treated as if russian spies are round every corner waiting to whisk the item away at the mere hint of a syllable being spoken about 'it'.

Any one seeing the research papers on this incredible invention that isolates bacteria and even viruses would think that such a system would have been publicized with a 'fanfare of trumpets'.

A Tuberculosis specialist said to me and I find it incredible =only certain doctors knew that Lymphoma and TB lymph glands can be mistaken visa versa! That was in the sixties as well! Some doctors are still unaware of these complexities to this day... Is it a fact that many doctors have never heard of the PCR test? This would not surprise me in the least.......

I hear some new antibiotics were 'on the go' recently but what are they? It was said that they were less hurtful than the older ones?

[HelenC Partner TB Alert]

Hi Micklemus,

I think the way these things work is that there are always numerous new technologies being developed and tested worldwide. Then, once the weight of evidence for a particular technology is sufficient, it is endorsed by either the WHO or in national guidelines, such as NICE or the US CDC. At this point a technology is brought into clinical practice. Some clinicians will use certain technologies before they are endorsed if they find the approved technologies lacking for a particular patient but in the majority of cases the 'proven' technologies are used.

Best wishes,

Helen

[Hidden in reply to HelenC]

Thanks for the info. I see the technology goes back to the DNA sequencing era. In some instances it's 10 times more potent than previous tests for bacteria I think..... It seems incredible technology...... I see part of it is to do with Nucleic acid testing but it seems all these new technologies will help matters no end regarding quicker diagnosis.

Overall I think it's fantastic. Very cleaver individuals researching into a final goal.

[Hidden in reply to HelenC]

Dear Helen........ As usual there is another apparently more potent test that was developed by Cath Rees, Associate Professor and her colleagues at our local University of Nottingham Agriculture. She is very high up in the research field and the Actiphage blood test is said to be 10 times more potent than previous tests was primarily developed for animals. I heard something of that test that may be in the pipeline from a farmer friend who said it is quicker than the neck injection for cattle.

You will I'm sure be interested in that new science. You will see that research 'paper' on the net.

Yet again no 'fanfare of trumpets' for that little item! Incidentally I sent her an email a few days ago but she kindly explained that the test is not 'on the market' as yet.

I did not get the chance to be included in the 'survey'. The test results are there to be seen in the research article. It makes very heartening reading for those who are going to benefit from that test in the let's hope near future.

It seems that these researchers such as Professor Rees are worth their weight in gold and very very cleaver......

[HelenC Partner TB Alert in reply to Hidden]

Hi Micklemus,

I am glad that there are some promising test candidates going through, though it's a shame it takes them so long to get to market (unless, of course, it is a new Coronavirus virus and not an ancient bacteria that is taking lives).

Good for you for helping take the research foward.

Best wishes,

Helen