In a significant stride towards combating tuberculosis (TB) in India, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in collaboration with the Central TB Division (CTD) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), has unveiled a series of innovative diagnostic tools aimed at enhancing TB detection and treatment across the nation. This announcement was made during the India Innovation Summit, an event dedicated to pioneering solutions to end tuberculosis, held in New Delhi on March 18, 2025.
New Diagnostic Tools for Enhanced Screening
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, revealed that ICMR has validated three indigenous handheld X-ray devices that promise to make TB screening more accessible to vulnerable populations. These devices are lightweight and portable, minimizing radiation exposure, and are currently being utilized in a 100-day accelerated program aimed at increasing screenings throughout the country.
In addition to these handheld devices, ICMR has introduced DeepCXR, an AI-based tool developed in partnership with the Institute of Plasma Research in Ahmedabad. DeepCXR leverages artificial intelligence to analyze chest X-rays, enhancing the accuracy and speed of TB detection.
Evolving Latent TB Detection Methods
The landscape of latent TB detection is also evolving with the validation of CyTb, a skin test developed by the Serum Institute of India. This test is designed as a more cost-effective alternative to the prevailing Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA), which, while effective, has limitations in resource-poor settings due to its higher costs. Reports indicate that CyTb’s performance surpasses the traditional tuberculin skin test, offering a promising new option for latent TB diagnosis.
Breakthroughs in Molecular Testing
Molecular diagnostic testing is becoming increasingly vital in TB management. ICMR has validated PathoDetect, a new indigenous molecular diagnostic NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) that can simultaneously detect the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and assess first-line drug resistance to rifampicin and isoniazid. This capability allows for the rapid identification of resistant strains, enabling more effective treatment strategies.
Moreover, the Quantiplus MTB FAST Detection Kit, developed by Huwel Lifesciences, has been introduced as the world’s first indigenous open-system RT-PCR kit. This kit has demonstrated impressive sensitivity (86%) and specificity (96%) compared to traditional culture methods, further enhancing the molecular testing landscape in India. With over 3,300 RT-PCR machines already in use from the COVID-19 pandemic response, this kit is expected to expand the reach of TB testing significantly.
Implications for Public Health
The developments announced by ICMR and the MoHFW mark a pivotal moment in India’s battle against tuberculosis. With TB remaining one of the leading infectious killers globally, these innovations hold the potential to transform TB diagnostics and treatment, especially in underserved populations. The shift towards portable, cost-effective diagnostic methods can significantly reduce the burden of TB, leading to earlier detection and treatment, and ultimately saving lives.
As India continues to advance its healthcare capabilities, the collaboration between research institutions, government entities, and the private sector will be vital. The integration of technology into healthcare, as seen through the developments in TB diagnostics, will not only enhance patient care but also position India as a leader in global health initiatives.
-Raja Aditya
