ICMR’S BREAKTHROUGH TB DETECTION TECHNOLOGY

Why in the news?

ICMR is rolling out a new, low-cost TB detection technology from its Dibrugarh center. This CRISPR Cas-based system, the cheapest TB test globally, can process 1,500 samples in two hours.
The council is seeking partners to commercialize this technology, aimed at improving TB diagnosis in under-resourced health centers.

 source:Springerlink

Technology Highlights

The CRISPR Cas-based test uses saliva DNA to detect TB quickly and affordably, even with early symptoms.
It’s designed for use in rural and primary health settings to address the issue of undiagnosed TB cases.

About Tuberculosis

About:

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that can affect various organs, with the lungs being the most common site.
It can also impact the pleura, lymph nodes, intestines, spine, and brain.

Transmission:

TB spreads through the air when a person with active TB coughs or sneezes, especially in crowded and poorly ventilated areas.

Symptoms:

Key symptoms of active lung TB include cough with sputum (sometimes blood), chest pain, weakness, weight loss, fever, and night sweats.

Infection Prevalence:

Annually, 10 million people contract TB, with 1.5 million deaths, making it the leading infectious killer globally. It’s prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, with significant cases in Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, and South Africa. TB is a major cause of death among people with HIV and contributes to antimicrobial resistance.

Treatment:

TB is treated with a 6-month course of four antimicrobial drugs, supervised by healthcare workers or trained volunteers.
Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) requires second-line drugs like bedaquiline, while extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) is resistant to most treatment options.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/tuberculosis-tb/

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