CRISPR-based biosensing is prospective for rapid and sensitive diagnosis of pediatric tuberculosis

•This molecular biology testing technology is more sensitive, rapid and costs less than conventional methods for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis.•Integrated CRISPR-based platforms are suitable for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis in conventional specimens, using less volume, and can even detect MTB in noninvasive specimens such as stools and oral swabs.•CRISPR-based biosensing platforms also have the potential of genotyping and detecting drug resistance, helping to guide rational treatment.•This study introduces the drawbacks of CRISPR platforms and points out the attention needed in CRISPR platforms when applied clinically. Pediatric tuberculosis (TB) is an important part of global TB prevention and control. Diagnosis of childhood TB still remains challenging when using conventional tests, due to the non-specific clinical manifestations and paucibacillary nature of the specimens. Thus, a sensitive, rapid and low-cost diagnostic test is of great demand. Benefiting from specific and rapid Cas-protein-based catalytic activities, CRISPR-based biosensing platforms (CRISPR platforms) are showing superiority in detecting pathogen nucleic acid traces in clinical samples. Based on their excellent sensitivity, and time and cost saved in existing research, this study aimed to highlight the potential of CRISPR platforms as a tool for diagnosing pediatric TB, and advocate for studies to evaluate its performance in specimens collected from children, especially noninvasive specimens. These platforms are also promising in identifying drug resistance and genotyping. All of the above will help early diagnosis of pediatric TB, thus guide reasonable treatment, and be significant in achieving the World Health Organization End-TB strategy.