News

DTBE Laboratory Branch Update

The Division of Tuberculosis Elimination Laboratory Branch (DTBE LB) is announcing an important update to its testing menu. Starting March 18, 2026, the Molecular Detection of Drug Resistance (MDDR) service will resume testing DNA extracts from formalin‑fixed, paraffin‑embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks that are referred by CDC’s Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch (IDPB).

Updated Referral Process

Under this renewed workflow, any FFPE tissue block that tests PCR‑positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex at IDPB will be automatically forwarded to  DTBE LB for MDDR testing.

Submitters must continue receiving preapproval from IDPB before sending FFPE blocks (contact: pathology@cdc.gov), but no separate preapproval or MDDR request form is needed for DTBE LB. At this time, DTBE LB will only test DNA extracts that come directly from IDPB; DNA extracts submitted from external laboratories will not be accepted.

 About the Updated Sequencing Assay

The revised assay is designed to detect mutations associated with resistance to several key TB drugs, including:

• Rifampin
• Isoniazid
• Fluoroquinolones

In addition, the test examines a limited segment of the pncA gene (codons 12–69) to identify certain pyrazinamide resistance markers, such as the M. bovis His57Asp mutation. Due to the nature of FFPE‑derived DNA, full‑gene pncA sequencing is not possible.

 Reporting of Results

Results will be delivered through CDC’s Specimen Test Order and Reporting (CSTOR) portal. Reports will include a clarification that only a small region of pncA is analyzed because of DNA quality limitations with fixed‑tissue samples.

For questions, please contact TBLab@cdc.gov.

DTBE TB Emergency Drug Stockpile Now Accepting Requests

The CDC’s Division of Tuberculosis Elimination (DTBE) has activated its TB emergency drug stockpile. Currently available: Isoniazid 300 mg (30-count 
bottles), expiration 5/31/2026, inventory: 1,578 bottles.

Prioritization
• Directly funded programs with <150 cases: up to 50 bottles for first request
• ≥150 cases: up to 100 bottles for first request
• Additional requests: 50 bottles every 90 days

How to Request
1. Upload a signed request letter to GrantSolutions as a grant message
2. Address letter to your DTBE Project Officer and have the PI/PD sign it
3. Email the letter to your Project Officer and Neela Goswami

Requests must Include
• TB case burden (2023 data)
• Program performance (COT % from 2021 NTIP data; priority for ≥85%)
• Contact info and shipping address
• Quantity requested

Reported Tuberculosis in the United States, 2024

• Reported Tuberculosis in the United States, 2024 | TB in the US, 2024 | CDC

The 2024 data from the National Tuberculosis Surveillance System (NTSS) show that the United States has achieved a 56% decrease in TB cases and a 68% decrease in the TB incidence rate since 1989, the year the United States first committed to the goal of eliminating TB, resulting in one of the lowest incidence rates in the world.  

However, case counts and rates increased for a fourth consecutive year in 2024, including a 7.9% increase in case count and a 6.9% increase in rate in 2024 as compared with 2023. Increases were widespread with 39 of 52 jurisdictions reporting increases in TB case counts and rates from 2023 to 2024; five jurisdictions reported case count increases of 50% or more. Recovery from pandemic-related health care disruptions, post-pandemic increases in travel and migration, and outbreaks in several states have all likely contributed to increases in TB in recent years.  

CDC Calendar

• Follow this link to CDC's Calendar of tuberculosis related events.

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