Could a swab or a cough sound diagnose TB in kids?

NCT ID NCT05989802

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study is testing new, non-invasive ways to diagnose tuberculosis (TB) in children under 15. Researchers will evaluate oral swabs, cough sound analysis, and lung sound analysis as potential alternatives to sputum tests. The goal is to find faster, simpler, and cheaper diagnostic tools to help reduce the 230,000 childhood TB deaths that occur each year. The study will enroll about 2,100 children at clinics in high-burden settings.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Oral swab molecular testing, automated cough sound analysis, automated lung sound analysis

What this could lead to

If successful, these tests could provide faster, simpler, and cheaper ways to diagnose TB in children, potentially saving many young lives.

What could go wrong

This is a diagnostic accuracy study, not a treatment trial. The new tests may not be accurate enough to replace current methods, and results may not apply to all settings.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

tuberculosis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Dora Nginza Hospital

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Cape Town, South Africa

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

  • Instituto Nacional de Saúde

    RECRUITING

    Maputo, Mozambique

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

  • Mulago National Referral Hospital

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Kampala, Uganda

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••