Could a tongue swab replace sputum tests for TB?

NCT ID NCT07517471

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

Summary

This large study in five countries will test new, portable diagnostic tools for tuberculosis (TB) that use tongue swabs and AI-assisted chest X-rays. The goal is to see if these faster, easier tests can find more TB cases, especially in people who have no symptoms or can't produce sputum. The trial will enroll about 37,000 adults and adolescents at health facilities in Bangladesh, Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, and Vietnam.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Near point-of-care NAATs and low-complexity NAATs (diagnostic tests)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could make TB diagnosis faster and easier, catching more cases early and reducing spread in communities.

What could go wrong

The new tests may be less accurate than current methods, and the trial is still in early stages. Results may vary across different countries and 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.

latent tuberculosis infection tuberculosis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

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

  • Contact

    Email: •••••@•••••