The detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in respiratory bioaerosol of tuberculosis infected individuals

This thesis explores innovative methodologies for detecting aerosolized Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in exhaled breath. The sensitivity of these methods was optimised by focusing on maximising aerosol production, aerosol capture and bacillus detection. Detection of aerosolised Mtb was then attempted across a broad spectrum of tuberculosis (TB) disease presentations.