title: Metabolomics biomarkers for tuberculosis diagnostics: current status and future objectives.
abstract: Numerous studies have contributed to our current understanding of the complex biology of pulmonary tuberculosis and subsequently provided solutions to its control or eradication. Metabolomics, a newcomer to the Omics research domain, has significantly contributed to this understanding by identifying biomarkers originating from the disease-associated metabolome adaptations of both the microbe and host. These biomarkers have shed light on previously unknown disease mechanisms, many of which have been implemented toward the development of improved diagnostic strategies. In this review, we will discuss the role that metabolomics has played in tuberculosis research to date, with a specific focus on new biomarker identification, and how these have contributed to improved disease characterization and diagnostics, and their potential clinical applications.
authors.affiliation: School for Physical & Chemical Sciences, Human Metabolomics, North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus), Private Bag x6001, Box 269, Potchefstroom, South Africa, 2531.
authors.forename: Ilse du
authors.initials: ID
authors.lastname: Preez
authors.affiliation: School for Physical & Chemical Sciences, Human Metabolomics, North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus), Private Bag x6001, Box 269, Potchefstroom, South Africa, 2531.
authors.forename: Laneke
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Luies
authors.affiliation: School for Physical & Chemical Sciences, Human Metabolomics, North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus), Private Bag x6001, Box 269, Potchefstroom, South Africa, 2531.
authors.forename: Du Toit
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Loots
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000652:urine; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D006801:Humans; D055442:Metabolome / Q000502:physiology*; D055432:Metabolomics; D009161:Mycobacterium / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism; D013183:Sputum / Q000378:metabolism; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers
keywords: biomarkers; blood and tissue; breath; culture; diagnostics; metabolites; metabolomics; sputum; tuberculosis; urine