Detecting Tuberculosis Using GC–MS
A new method for tuberculosis detection using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry has been developed.
Photo Credit: Science Photo Library/Getty Images
A new method for tuberculosis (TB) detection using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) has been developed.1 Using an established biomarker known as Lipoarabinomannan (LAM), researchers have simplified a previously validated method measuring the closely linked D-arabinose.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2013, an estimated 9.0 million people developed TB with 1.5 million dying.2 A total of 360,000 of those were HIV positive, attesting to the close association of TB with HIV.2
Fortunately, TB is declining globally as a result of effective diagnosis and treatment. However, diagnosis relies on the demonstration of the bacteria responsible for TB, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). This is accomplished using microscopy, cultures, and molecular testing, a time-consuming and expensive procedure.
TB remains unique among the major infectious diseases because it lacks an accurate and rapid point-of-care test. This is primarily the result of insufficient progress in biomarker discovery.2
In 2010 the WHO endorsed the Xpert MTB/RIF test for use in TB endemic countries.3 As a cartridge-based and automated diagnostic test, the Xpert MTB/RIF test represented a major milestone. The device identifies Mtb DNA and mutations associated with resistance to rifampicin (RIF) by nucleic acid amplification technique (NAAT).4,5,6
However, a reliable biomarker, if detectable on a simple, portable, and low cost platform, could greatly increase early detection, reducing not only disease morbidity but also transmission and support global TB control.
Current commercial detection assays measure LAM in urine as a marker for TB but these exhibit poor sensitivity, especially in individuals with a healthy immune system. This new method isolates LAM and converts it into its constituent monosaccharides (that is, D-arabinose, D-mannose) before quantifying D-arabinose as a proxy for LAM, using GC–MS.
Results indicated this method was effective and was successfully able to detect and measure urinary LAM in human clinical specimens by quantifying D-arabinose using chemical derivatization and GC–MS. Importantly this method was
non-discriminatory, with no dependence on country of origin, HIV coâinfection, or BCG vaccination. - L.B.
References
- D. Prithwiraj et al., PLoS ONE 10(12) (2015) doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0144088
- WHO. Global Tuberculosis Report 2014. http://www.who.int/tb/publications/global_report/en/WHO.2014
- WHO. WHO endorses new rapid tuberculosis test 2010. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2010/tb_test_20101208/en/
- P.M. Small and M. Pai., N. Engl. J. Med.363(11), 1070–1071 (2010).
- A. Van Rie et al., Expert Rev. Mol. Diagn.10(7), 937–946 (2010).
- C.C. Boehme et al., N. Engl. J. Med.363(11), 1005–1015 (2010).
New Study Uses MSPE with GC–MS to Analyze PFCAs in Water
January 20th 2025Scientists from the China University of Sciences combined magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to analyze perfluoro carboxylic acids (PFCAs) in different water environments.
The Next Frontier for Mass Spectrometry: Maximizing Ion Utilization
January 20th 2025In this podcast, Daniel DeBord, CTO of MOBILion Systems, describes a new high resolution mass spectrometry approach that promises to increase speed and sensitivity in omics applications. MOBILion recently introduced the PAMAF mode of operation, which stands for parallel accumulation with mobility aligned fragmentation. It substantially increases the fraction of ion used for mass spectrometry analysis by replacing the functionality of the quadrupole with high resolution ion mobility. Listen to learn more about this exciting new development.
A Guide To Finding the Ideal Syringe and Needle
January 20th 2025Hamilton has produced a series of reference guides to assist science professionals in finding the best-suited products and configurations for their applications. The Syringe and Needle Reference Guide provides detailed information on Hamilton Company’s full portfolio of syringes and needles. Everything from cleaning and preventative maintenance to individual part numbers are available for review. It also includes selection charts to help you choose between syringe terminations like cemented needles and luer tips.
The Complexity of Oligonucleotide Separations
January 9th 2025Peter Pellegrinelli, Applications Specialist at Advanced Materials Technology (AMT) explains the complexity of oligonucleotide separations due to the unique chemical properties of these molecules. Issues such as varying length, sequence complexity, and hydrophilic-hydrophobic characteristics make efficient separations difficult. Separation scientists are addressing these challenges by modifying mobile phase compositions, using varying ion-pairing reagents, and exploring alternative separation modes like HILIC and ion-exchange chromatography. Due to these complexities, AMT has introduced the HALO® OLIGO column, which offers high-resolution, fast separations through its innovative Fused-Core® technology and high pH stability. Alongside explaining the new column, Peter looks to the future of these separations and what is next to come.
Oasis or Sand Dune? Isolation of Psychedelic Compounds
January 20th 2025Magic mushrooms, once taboo, have recently experienced a renaissance. This new awakening is partially due to new findings that indicate the effects of psilocybin, and its dephosphorylated cousin psilocin may produce long lasting results for patients who might be struggling with anxiety, depression, alcohol and drug abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Hamilton Company has developed a methodology for the isolation and identification of 5 common psychedelic compounds used in the potential treatment of disease. The PRP-1 HPLC column resin remains stable in the harsh alkaline conditions ideal for better separations.
