India is home to millions of Tuberculosis patients. It is one of the deadliest infectious diseases and needs timely attention. Cases of TB are surging at an alarming rate. Early detection is essential in controlling its spread and improving treatment outcomes. With advancements like molecular testing, it is possible to identify the disease more precisely and detect drug-resistant strains at an early stage. Delayed diagnosis often leads to a higher risk of morbidity and mortality.
Every year, World Tuberculosis Day is observed on March 24 to raise awareness about the disease and its effects on the body. TB is a bacterial infection that happens due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, taking a toll on the lungs. It is transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The symptoms commonly seen are persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue. Factors like weak immunity, malnutrition, and close contact with infected individuals increase the risk of TB infection. If left untreated, TB can become severe and cause complications such as lung damage.
Dr Tanish Mandal, consultant pathologist and zonal technical chief, Apollo Diagnostic Delhi said, “Prompt TB detection is lifesaving, as it enables immediate treatment and prevents further transmission. Advanced molecular diagnostics, such as PCR-based tests, have revolutionized TB detection by delivering accurate results within hours, allowing us to save more lives. These tests can identify even low bacterial loads, ensuring early intervention. Early diagnosis also reduces the risk of complications, such as long-term lung damage, empyema, and pneumothorax (lung collapse). Regular screening is essential for controlling the spread of TB. Moreover, timely diagnosis and treatment significantly reduce medical costs, hospital stays, and loss of productivity, thereby easing the financial burden on patients and their families. With the right testing and treatment strategies, we can move closer to eradicating this preventable and treatable disease.”
Dr Mandal added, “Molecular testing will allow the detection of drug-resistant TB by identifying genetic mutations that confer resistance to first-line drugs. Unlike traditional culture-based methods, which take weeks, molecular testing gives rapid results and ensures the expert can initiate appropriate treatment sooner. Early identification of drug resistance will help patients receive targeted therapy, improving recovery rates and preventing the further spread of resistant strains. As TB continues to pose a threat, molecular diagnostics into routine TB screening is a game-changer in the fight against this disease.”
Dr Tanvi Bhatt, pulmonologist, Zynova Shalby Hospital in Mumbai Said, ‘‘India is home to millions of Tuberculosis (TB) patients. A large number of people with TB have been successfully be able to improve their quality of life after treatment. However, TB is known to take a toll on the lungs by causing lasting damage. Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease that affects the lungs and spreads through coughing, sneezing, talking. The common symptoms are constant coughing, chest pain, coughing up blood, poor appetite, weight loss and fatigue. 50% of the patients who come to the outpatient department for treatment are TB patients. These TB patients are in the age group of 18 to 40 years. Treatment includes in the form of medication. TB can impact one’s lung function, lead to smaller lungs (restrictive disease) and narrower airways with slower airflow (obstructive disease). Post-TB treatment, TB survivors may experience breathlessness which can interfere in their daily routine and impact the quality of life.’’
“Tuberculosis (TB) is known to compromise the lung strength by damaging the lung tissues. Breathing problems, tiredness, and shortness of breath are the critical signs and symptoms of low lung strength. Tb also widens the airways permanently, raising the risk of respiratory infections. It will be imperative for patients to prioritize their lung health by going for regular check-ups and follow-ups, getting vaccinated (especially for pneumonia), maintaining hand hygiene, wearing a mask, social distancing, not being around sick people, avoiding crowded places, eating a nutritious diet, exercise, weight management and medication,” concluded Dr Bhatt.
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