Blood test could identify millions of people spreading tuberculosis unknowingly

Tuberculosis, or TB, is the world’s deadliest infectious disease and kills more than one million people each year

The study used a new technique that identified a set of six proteins that are highly accurate in pinpointing TB. File Picture: Simon Dawson/PA

Scientists say they are close to developing a blood test that could identify millions of people who spread tuberculosis unknowingly.

Researchers from the University of Southampton have discovered a group of biological markers that are found in high levels among infectious patients.