WHO for use of devices to test multiple diseases

A single device can diagnose Tuberculosis, HIV and Hepatitis

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday released new advice to countries, recommending the use of multi-disease testing devices for Tuberculosis, HIV and Hepatitis.

A single device called the GeneXpert can be used to diagnose TB and HIV infections, and quantitatively measure HIV and hepatitis C viral loads. India recently procured 600 GeneXpert machines for the National Tuberculosis programme.

The WHO is recommending use of these state-of-the-art portable machines the size of a microwave oven, which can run molecular tests. However, most countries do not use them for multi-disease testing.

“Any good health system must have the capacity to do several tests that are of importance. Currently, we are mostly investing in single disease testing technologies, while there is great potential to use the same platform for multiple conditions.” said Prof Madhukar Pai, Canada Research Chair in Epidemiology & Global Health.

Single platform

“With the power and adaptability of molecular technologies, we are in an era of great advancement for the rapid diagnosis of many diseases using single platforms,” said Dr Mario Raviglione, Director of WHO’s Global TB Programme. “These platforms offer technical and financial efficiencies to countries in their disease control efforts, while expanding access to care.”

GeneXpert machines — initially procured by countries for the detection of TB and rifampicin resistance, following an initial WHO recommendation in December 2010 — were subsequently expanded for use in early infant diagnosis of HIV and viral load testing using relevant cartridges in the same device.

“We encourage countries to use multi-disease platforms for testing of HIV, TB and hepatitis as much as possible and feasible,” said Dr Gottfried Hirnschall, Director of WHO’s Department of HIV and Global Hepatitis Programme.

“Multi-disease devices can increase system efficiencies and improve access to testing for patients in need. Such devices can also help overcome specific challenges in diagnosis and treatment, such as HIV early infant diagnosis and viral load monitoring for both HIV and hepatitis,” he said.