China starts clinical trial for new tuberculosis vaccine

China has started a clinical trial for a new tuberculosis vaccine using mRNA technology. The trial is taking place at Beijing Chest Hospital. This vaccine is expected to be much more effective than current vaccines. Animal studies have shown that this new vaccine's effectiveness is over 20 times greater than that of the traditional Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine and other foreign options. The vaccine aims to protect people of all ages and lower rates of tuberculosis infection. Researchers will focus on various aspects of the vaccine, including how to administer it and how it works in the body. The team hopes to enhance the immunization strategies during this study. Additionally, the hospital has introduced an AI model for diagnosing tuberculosis and a rapid testing method that uses tongue swabs. This diagnosis system allows for early detection of pulmonary diseases, including tuberculosis. The rapid detection method is expected to be available across the country by July.