A point-of-care, CRISPR-based test can rapidly diagnose tuberculosis (TB) from saliva without the need for expensive equipment, researchers report.

SHINE-TB combines an efficient sample processing method together with an optimized CRISPR Cas13a/Cas12a assay to streamline detection of two conserved elements of the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis ( Mtb ).

The U.S.-based researchers say theirs is the first test to combine recombinase polymerase amplification and detection while being compatible with lateral flow and lyophilization.

It could be particularly useful in under-resourced regions, where there is an urgent need for a simple, affordable means to diagnose tuberculosis.

“Our simple one-pot assay provides robust Mtb detection, taking us one step closer to accessible and rel

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