Findings
We measured expression of the four major classes of small noncoding RNAs in peripheral blood samples from patients with active or latent tuberculosis and uninfected controls. We found major differences in expression in microRNAs, PiWi-interacting RNA, and small nucleolar RNA and identified a highly sensitive classifier, consisting of 3 microRNA and 1 small nucleolar RNA, for the identification of active TB and progression from latent to active disease.
Translational significance
Small noncoding RNA constitute a promising source of novel biomarkers for improved early diagnosis of TB.