Diagnostic innovations for tuberculosis in sub-Saharan Africa

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, where it contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as sputum smear microscopy and culture, often face limitations due to their invasive nature, the requirement for sophisticated laboratory infrastructure, and lengthy turnaround times. The review examined studies published between 2000 and 2024, with a focus on original research, meta-analysis, systematic review, literature reviews, technical reports obtained from databases such as Goggle Scholar, PubMed, Scopus to assess diagnostic innovations for TB in sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on their accuracy, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness. This review examined the potential of novel technologies and the advancements in imaging technologies, like portable ultrasound and low-dose CT scans, which offer non-invasive options that can be implemented in remote settings. This review discussed non-invasive diagnostic innovations for TB in sub-Saharan Africa, which offer significant advantages, including improved patient compliance, reduced biosafety risks, and quicker results. These methods, such as breath and urine-based tests, eliminate the need for sputum collection, which can be challenging for patients with low bacterial loads or those unable to produce sputum. Additionally, cost-effectiveness analyses highlight their potential to reduce diagnostic delays and overall healthcare expenses, making them more accessible in resource-limited settings. Implementing these technologies could enhance early TB detection and treatment outcomes, ultimately supporting efforts to control and eliminate TB in the region. The review also discussed the integration of these novel diagnostics with digital health technologies and mobile health (mHealth) platforms. This review highlighted the potential of non-invasive diagnostic approaches and discussed the need for continued research, development, and implementation of these technologies.