The BreathForDx project has been presented at the XI National Congress of the Italian Society of Tropical Medicine and Global Health (SIMET 2026), held in Turin from 11–13 June 2026. The congress brought together researchers, clinicians, public health professionals, and global health experts to discuss emerging challenges in global health, migration, infectious diseases, and epidemic preparedness.
During the event, Dr. Caterina Franco (San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Emerging Bacterial Pathogens Unit, Milan) presented a poster entitled “Exhaled Breath Aerosol Sampling for Tuberculosis and Viral Respiratory Infections Screening in Migrants and Refugees: Results from the BreathForDx Project in First-Arrival Centres.”
The poster summarized preliminary findings from the BreathForDx Study Within A Trial (SWaT) and the associated qualitative research conducted in migrant reception centres in Milan and Heidelberg. The work explored the acceptability, usability, and feasibility of exhaled breath aerosol (XBA) sampling as a non-invasive diagnostic approach for tuberculosis and respiratory viral infections.
Preliminary results showed high operational feasibility, with most participants completing the breath sampling procedure. Qualitative findings highlighted a strong preference for non-invasive diagnostic methods, with participants describing breath-based testing as comfortable, easy to use, and less burdensome than conventional procedures such as blood sampling or nasal swabs.
The integration of quantitative and qualitative evidence supports the potential implementation of breath-based diagnostic technologies in community and reception-centre settings, particularly among underserved and mobile populations. These findings contribute to the development of more accessible, acceptable, and equitable pathways for TB and respiratory infection screening.
We thank all study participants, reception-centre staff, and consortium partners whose contributions continue to advance the development of innovative, non-invasive diagnostic approaches for respiratory diseases
Making every breath count for diagnosis. 🌍🫁
