Nanoparticles as an Alternative Strategy for the Rapid Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex (MTBC): A Systematic Literature Review of In Vitro Studies

Abstract

Worldwide, tuberculosis (TB) ranks as a second leading cause of death. The End TB strategy targets eliminating TB by 2030. Achieving this goal requires an early, accurate, and affordable diagnosis applicable in low- and middle-income countries; increasing the reach of point-of-care (POC) diagnostics is essential. Nanodiagnostics aims to enhance clinical diagnostic procedures with heightened sensitivity and accuracy by focusing on distinctive markers for early detection. A systematic search of research articles was conducted in four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect) independently by two researchers. Publications retrieved in the independent search were mixed and imported into a single EndNote X8. The extraction of characteristics from the selected studies were carried out step by step by two independent researcher groups Abayeneh Girma and Fentaye Kassawmar and Yeshiwas Kassa and Yeshwas Asrat using a standardized data extraction format in Microsoft Excel 2021. Finally, the extracted data were combined and clearly presented in the table with the key information and findings. Inconsistencies between reviewers were resolved by discussion, and articles were included after consensus was reached. Totally, 2740 articles were retrieved, and 69 TB nanoparticle (NP)-based assays have fulfilled the inclusion criteria and included in this systematic review. The proposed platforms share the characteristics of accuracy, affordability, and swift time-to-result. Nanodiagnostics for TB now cover all clinical presentations of the disease, including active, drug-resistant, HIV-related, latent, and extrapulmonary TB. These advancements not only enhance the diagnostic landscape but also facilitate timely and effective treatment strategies, ultimately aiming to reduce the burden of TB worldwide. This review summarizes state-of-the-art knowledge of TB nanodiagnostics for the last 18 years. For fabrication concepts, detection strategies, and clinical performance, special consideration is given using various clinical specimens, and the suitability of TB nanodiagnostics for optimal MTB testing is evaluated. TB nanodiagnostics present a promising solution for meeting the stringent demands to end the TB epidemic by 2030.

Keywords: Mycobacterium tuberculosis; disease biomarkers; immunodiagnostics; nanodiagnostics; nanoparticles; systematic review; tuberculosis.