Non-Sputum Biomarkers in Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Management

In the field of tuberculosis (TB) research, the quest for effective host- or pathogen-bases biomarkers has garnered significant attention due to the ongoing challenges of timely diagnosis, accurate prognosis, effective treatment monitoring, and predicting long-term outcomes. Conventional diagnostic methods, including sputum microscopy and culture, often fall short in sensitivity, especially in people living with HIV, young children, and extrapulmonary TB. Recent breakthroughs in molecular and immunological approaches have highlighted the promise of peripheral blood-derived transcripts, acute phase proteins, and immune signatures as robust biomarkers, yet their integration into clinical practice remains limited. Despite growing evidence from multiple geographical contexts showing the potential of non-sputum biomarkers, the variability in biomarker performance, the need for validation across diverse populations, and the uncertainty of where these biomarkers fit best in the clinical care pathway continue to pose substantial challenges for successful implementation.This Research Topic aims to explore, validate, and integrate host-derived and pathogen-based non-sputum biomarkers for TB across the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic monitoring spectrum. It seeks to highlight novel markers to diagnose, predict, and monitor treatment and long-term outcomes. It also aims to showcase where these biomarkers might work best within the diagnostic cascade. Key objectives include the identification of molecular and immune signatures that enable diagnostic approaches, risk stratification for severity, mortality and morbidity, as well as early prediction of therapeutic response. By focusing on established and emerging methodologies, this topic hopes to bridge the knowledge and translational gaps in non-sputum biomarker research for TB.The scope of this Research Topic encompasses studies covering non-sputum biomarkers for tuberculosis. We encourage original research, reviews, and method articles investigating biomarker discovery, validation, or clinical application. To gather further insights in non-sputum biomarker discovery and application in TB, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes: • Identification and validation of novel targets to potentially serve as non-sputum biomarkers • Evaluation and/or application of non-sputum biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment monitoring, and predicting long-term outcomes• Evaluation of non-sputum biomarkers using different testing strategies (i.e., central laboratory versus point-of-care testing)• Comparative studies evaluating non-sputum biomarkers across populations, sample types, and TB manifestations • Translational research on clinical implementation and utility of non-sputum biomarkers across the full TB care cascade from TB infection to TB disease and beyond cure (post-TB well-being)If you are interested in submitting or have any questions, please contact the journal email: tuberculosis@frontiersin.org. Topic editors: Laura Olbrich, Kathrin Held, Marieke M Van Der Zalm Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78521/non-sputum-biomarkers-in-tuberculosis-diagnosis-and-management