Abstract:
Background: Tuberculosis in one of the major killer diseases globally -two patient are dying every 3 minutes. India accounts for about 24-26 % of the global burden of TB. Govt of India has launched National TB Control programme way back in early 50s and providing diagnostic and treatment facilities to the needy freely.
Signs & Symptoms: Cough with or with out sputum for more than 2 weeks is the most common sign . Associated with evening raise of Fever, loss of Appetite / weight . Pulmonary Tuberculosis is the most common form of TB . Other parts of the body are also effected except hair and Nail.. i.e Extra Pulmonary TB.
Diagnosis of Pulmonary TB is mainly by clinical examination and X ray in earlier years till the advent of RNTCP when Sputum examination became the sheet anchor. FNAC / Biopsy and CSF Examination are some of the other diagnostic aids.
RNTCP - Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme revolutionized the Diagnosis and treatment of TB from 2003 onwards . Involvement of NGOs and Professional bodies made the Programme more strong and vibrant.
Gene Xpert technique and TRUENAT have made diagnosis more specific and easy in the present scenario. More newer diagnostics are in the pipe line .
Inj Streptomycin along with tabs Isoniazid and Ethambutol are the choice of treatment in the past till RNTCP was launched. New drugs like Bedaqulinine and Delamid changed the treatment schedules more shorter and effective. Short term regimens are also under trail.
BCG vaccination is the king pin in preventive aspect and now newer vaccines are under trail.
Telemedicine and AI will help the patients in many ways in the coming years and the dream of WHO for elimination of TB by 2030 will become a reality in course of time with Political Commitment and the involvement of NGOs and professional bodies like Indian Medical Association and Tuberculosis Association of India, Indian Paediatric Association etc.
Biography:
To be updated shortly..
