Revolutionary Urine Test for Early Detection of Tuberculosis in India

Researchers at AIIMS are pioneering a new urine test aimed at the early detection of tuberculosis (TB), a persistent public health issue in India. This innovative approach focuses on identifying 29 protein biomarkers in urine, which could indicate active TB infection. Traditional diagnostic methods often fail to detect the disease in its early stages, particularly in asymptomatic cases and among children. The urine-based test promises to be a simple, non-invasive alternative that could enhance large-scale screening efforts and aid in diagnosing vulnerable populations. This breakthrough could significantly improve TB management and control in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 6, 2026, 14:20 IST

Innovative Approach to TB Detection

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to pose a significant public health challenge in India. Despite advancements in treatment and awareness, a major obstacle in managing the disease is that many individuals are diagnosed only after the onset of noticeable symptoms. Researchers at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) are exploring a groundbreaking solution that could facilitate earlier detection of TB using a simple urine sample.

Understanding the Causes of TB

Experts identify the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria as the primary cause of TB, which spreads through the air and can infect the lungs upon inhalation. In some cases, it may also affect other body parts. The most prevalent form is pulmonary tuberculosis, but the bacteria can lead to various other conditions, including:

Meningitis, which is inflammation of the brain's lining
Pott’s disease, also referred to as spinal tuberculosis
Addison’s disease, affecting the adrenal glands
Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver
Scrofula, characterized by swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Recognizing TB Symptoms

Active tuberculosis can manifest through several symptoms, such as:

A persistent cough lasting more than two weeks
Chest discomfort
Coughing up blood or sputum
Extreme fatigue and weakness
Decreased appetite
Unexplained weight loss
Chills accompanied by high fever
Night sweats

Individuals with inactive TB may not exhibit symptoms but will test positive for the disease.

The Challenge of Early TB Detection

Conventional diagnostic techniques tend to be effective when TB is active and affecting the lungs. However, they often fail to detect certain forms of the disease, especially in its early stages. This is particularly true for asymptomatic cases, where infected individuals show no signs of illness. The situation is even more complicated for children, who may struggle to provide sputum samples and exhibit less specific symptoms compared to adults. Consequently, many cases go undiagnosed until the disease has advanced.

Hope Through Protein Markers

Researchers at AIIMS are investigating a non-invasive diagnostic method based on urine proteomics, which studies proteins in urine that can indicate disease activity. Their research has identified 29 protein biomarkers in urine linked to active tuberculosis. These proteins could serve as potential indicators of infection.

Since urine collection is straightforward, painless, and does not require specialized procedures, this method could be beneficial for large-scale screening initiatives, especially in resource-limited environments. It may also aid in diagnosing vulnerable populations, such as children and those who do not show typical TB symptoms. Researchers believe that a urine-based diagnostic tool could complement existing testing methods, providing healthcare professionals with additional evidence when assessing suspected cases.