Novel Biomarkers for Tuberculosis: Towards Affordable and Reliable Diagnostic Solutions

  • Meti Kusmiati Department of Biological Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Padjadjaran University, Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia, 45363; Medical Laboratory Technology Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bakti Tunas Husada University, Tasikmalaya, West Java, Indonesia, 46115 https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6174-9337
  • Shabarni Gaffar Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Padjadjaran University, Sumedang, Indonesia, 45363 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3659-4774
  • Sri Agung Fitri Kusuma Department of Biological Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Padjadjaran University, Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia, 45363
Keywords: Tuberculosis, biomarkers, diagnosis, TB risk assessment, TB treatment monitoring

Abstract

Tuberculosis remains a significant global health challenge—a situation further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted diagnosis and treatment efforts. Despite being preventable and curable, TB continues to be a major threat, ranking among the leading causes of infectious disease mortality. The unreliability and unaffordability of current diagnostic procedures underscore the need for new biomarkers and point-of-care testing solutions. Recent research has identified several potential biomarkers for diagnosing TB and differentiating between active and latent infections. This study was aimed to assess and identify a spectrum of biomarkers tuberculosis, including those for vaccine-induced protection, TB disease, TB risk, TB infection, and response to TB treatment. Article are identified from PubMed database with keyword tuberculosis, Biomarker, Diagnosis, Kit based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Biomarkers of vaccine induced protection is Rv1566-444. Biomarker of TB infection such as IP-10, IFN-γ, Ferritin and 25(OH)D; IL-1ra, IL-1β and GM-CSF; Fibronectin; HMGB1; Tpx-IgA, NCAM-1, vitronectin, CFH, Ferritin and α-2-macroglobulin; M. tuberculosis β-lactamase. Biomarkers of TB risk namely IFN-γ. Biomarker of TB infection consist of CCl6, IFN-γ, TIMP-1, IP-10/CCL19 and Ag85B. Biomarker of response to TB treatment such as IL-1β; IP-10 and suPAR. The most promising host biomarkers are IP-10 and IFN-γ, while Ag85B stands out as the most promising pathogen biomarker.

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Published
2026-03-02
How to Cite
Kusmiati, M., Gaffar, S., & Kusuma, S. A. F. (2026). Novel Biomarkers for Tuberculosis: Towards Affordable and Reliable Diagnostic Solutions. Indonesian Journal of Pharmacy, 37(1), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.22146/ijp.18011
Section
Review Article