The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently endorsed TrueNat, an indigenous molecular diagnostic tool developed for the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB). This development has particular significance for India, as the country currently has the highest number of TB patients in the world.
India’s Battle with Tuberculosis
In 2018, India recorded an alarming count of 26.9 lakh TB patients, according to the Global Tuberculosis Report 2019. The National Strategic Plan for TB Elimination 2017-2025 further highlights the severity of the situation, estimating that TB claims the lives of approximately 480,000 Indians annually, translating to over 1,400 deaths each day.
The challenges in combating TB in India extend beyond these massive figures. India has over a million ‘missing’ cases every year. These cases often go unreported, remaining either undiagnosed or inadequately diagnosed and treated, particularly in the private sector.
The Role of TrueNat in TB Diagnosis
TrueNat, a revolutionary diagnostic tool developed by Molbio Diagnostics, a Goa-based company, has emerged as a hopeful solution in this context. It operates on a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based test, which assesses the genes in the TB bacteria. This innovative technology allows for not only the detection of the bacteria but also for the identification of drug resistance using specialized chips.
The diagnostic process involves the extraction of the TB bacteria’s DNA from the patient’s sputum samples. This test can be conveniently and cost-effectively administered within a primary health care setup. Its efficacy and accuracy have been found comparable to similar tests currently in use, earning it a recommendation as an alternative to sputum microscopy tests.
Key Statistics on Tuberculosis in India
| Title | Data |
|---|---|
| Total TB Patients in 2018 | 26.9 Lakh |
| Annual Deaths due to TB | 4,80,000 |
| Daily Deaths due to TB | 1,400 |
| ‘Missing’ cases per year | Over one million |
TrueNat: A Step Towards Curbing TB
The endorsement of TrueNat by WHO marks a significant step forward in the battle against TB. This diagnostic tool has the potential to significantly improve the identification and treatment of TB, particularly in countries like India where the disease is rampant. Given its cost-effectiveness and ease of use within the primary health care system, TrueNat offers an important resource in the global fight against TB.
Last Modified: February 7, 2024