TUBERCULOSIS (TB)

NEWS: Around World TB Day (March 24)

ABOUT

Focus on:

• New diagnostic technologies
• Community participation (TB Champions)
• Goal: TB Elimination in India

EVOLVING DIAGNOSTIC LANDSCAPE FOR TB

• Shift in TB DiagnosisàEarlier Method: Sputum smear microscopy
• Modern Methods: Molecular Tests (NAAT / CBNAAT / TrueNat)
• Role of Technology: Portable Chest X-Ray (CXR) + AI
• Used in: Community screening
• New Testing Innovations: Tongue swab / Non-sputum samples

Key Challenges in Diagnosis

• Unequal Access: Rural & remote areas lack: Testing infrastructure
• Delay in Diagnosis: Multi-step testing causes: Treatment delays
• Asymptomatic TBàMany cases: No symptoms: Makes screening difficult
• Extra-Pulmonary TB (EPTB)à Difficult to detect: Expensive diagnosis

National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP)

• Provides: Free diagnosis & treatment
• Expanding: Molecular testing, AI screening

TB Champions

• TB survivors who help others
• Role: Awareness, Counselling, Reducing stigma

Way Forward

• Expand molecular testing access
• Develop: Cheap, rapid biomarkers
• Strengthen: Sample collection system
• Increase: Investment in R&D
• Use: AI + portable diagnostics