New DNA sequencing method to diagnose tuberculosis

Date:

September 23, 2014

Source:

PeerJ

Summary:

A new approach to the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) has been developed by researchers working in the UK and The Gambia that relies on direct sequencing of DNA extracted from sputum -- a technique called metagenomics -- to detect and characterize the bacteria that cause TB without the need for time-consuming culture of bacteria in the laboratory.