The Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) is conducting a Tongue Swab Tuberculosis Diagnostic Yield (TSwaY) Study supported by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The TSwaY Study aims to evaluate the diagnostic yield, cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and usability of tongue swabs for diagnosing active Tuberculosis (TB) in Zambia, Uganda, Philippines, and Vietnam.

The study compares tongue- and sputum-based molecular testing for TB among adults, adolescents, and children with or without HIV. Preliminary data suggests that although tongue swabs may have lower sensitivity, if successful, this method could be an important alternative to sputum and may benefit patients who are unable to produce sputum, improving diagnosis and faster access to lifesaving TB treatment.