Innovative Tools and Strategies for Tuberculosis (TB) Detection: Advancing Diagnosis Through Technology, Integration, and Equity
A special issue of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease (ISSN 2414-6366). This special issue belongs to the section "Infectious Diseases".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 22
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the leading infectious diseases globally, with millions of people still missed by routine health systems—either undiagnosed, diagnosed late, or never notified. Innovation in TB detection must go beyond technology alone. It should also encompass strategic approaches that maximize reach, improve equity, and close persistent gaps in diagnosis and notification. In recent years, new models—including AI-assisted diagnostics, digital platforms, public–private mix, and decentralized screening—have shown promise in extending TB services to the populations who need them most.
This Special Issue aims to highlight emerging innovations—technological and strategic—that improve TB case detection and notification. We invite submissions that explore how such approaches increase accessibility, speed up diagnosis, and strengthen health system integration. Original research articles and reviews are welcome, particularly those aligned with the journal’s scope on global and tropical health.
Topics may include, but are not limited to, the following areas:
- Digital triage, referral, and linkage-to-care solutions;
- AI-driven diagnostic tools (e.g., CAD, cough analysis, digital stethoscope);
- Novel non-sputum-based diagnostic tests (e.g., tongue swabs, urine LAM, breath analysis);
- Specimen pooling and optimization strategies for molecular testing;
- Outreach models for underserved and key populations;
- TB screening via private providers, pharmacies, or mobile teams;
- Diagnostic connectivity and real-time notification systems;
- Implementation research and health system integration strategies.
We look forward to receiving your contributions to this timely and impactful collection.
Dr. Md. Toufiq Rahman
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- tuberculosis
- diagnosis
- innovation
- digital health
- AI
- CAD
- private sector
- active case finding
- integration
- alternative specimen
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