Automated Fluorescence Microscope for Tuberculosis Detection¹

The World Health Organization (WHO) 2012 estimate for tuberculosis (TB) related deaths stood at 1.3 × 10⁶ people, despite the disease being considered mostly curable [1]. Sputum smear microscopy is still the most common method used in low-income countries (LICs) to screen for TB [1], primarily due to its low cost [2]. Xpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis/rifampicin (MTB/RIF), a rapid molecular test that identifies both MTB and resistance to RIF, is receiving attention and becoming established. However, it has many obstacles to overcome before wide implementation in LICs, particularly at peripheral sites. In its present state it is expensive compared to microscopy, it has environmental limitations (stable and regular electricity; adequate room temperature), and it suffers supply and maintenance difficulties in remote locations [3]. Furthermore, Theron et al. [4] have shown the lowest cost diagnosis strategy to be smear microscopy...