CHANDIGARH, 29.03.25-Conference on Tuberculosis, organized by the Department of Medical Microbiology, PGIMER, Chandigarh

The Conference on Tuberculosis, organized by the Department of Medical Microbiology, PGIMER, Chandigarh concluded today. Various aspects of epidemiology, diagnostics and management challenges of Tuberculosis were discussed and debated by the forum. Important talks were given by various experts in the field. Though it has been curable since many decades, great efforts are now being made in the innovation for newer diagnostics and drug regimens. TB-free India campaign to take the activities forward for ending the disease by 2025 which can be achieved early diagnosis and treatment .
During the TB con, Dr Sunil Sethi emphasized on the rapid diagnosis of Tuberculosis. With advanced molecular techniques like CBNAAT,detection time has greatly reduced from 2 months by conventional techniques to 2 hrs now . Gene xpert is automated real time PCR which can detect TB in 2 hrs along with drug resistance and thus treatment is started on the basis of this molecular assay. Now new test which has come is similar to Gene Xpert that is true NAT which is made in India by Mol bio diagnostics Goa and is much cheaper than Gene Xpert( from USA) It can be used as point of care test in rural areas and can be done in Mobile Van . It has similar sensitivity that of Genexpert i.e it has 98% sensitivity in detection of TB and can be done in rural areas without electricity and is battery operated , does not need Air conditioning as compared to Gene xpert which needs electricity and air conditioning. The advanced technique now is also accessible to slum areas with help of CBNAAT mobile vans. This has revolutionized the diagnosis which will help in diagnosing tb and drug resistant TB and finally early treatment can be given and thus transmission can be broken
Recently, Dr D.Behra has highlighted about progress made by national programme in India
I NTEP programme also launcded 100 days intensified compaign from 7th December to 24th march 2025 as part of TB elimination programe
Goal & Importance of the campaign The Goals of the campaign are: screening & testing of vulnerable populations with nutritional support interventions 3. To prevent occurrence of new TB cases in the community by providing TB preventive treatment to household contacts, PLHIV & vulnerable population.
Earlier on 28th March
The Workshop on Tuberculosis, organized by the Department of Medical Microbiology, PGIMER, Chandigarh concluded today. Over 70 delegates attended the workshop The diagnosis of tuberculosis and its resistance have become easier due to availability of many rapid tests. The proper utilization of these tests needs training of microbiologist and physicians. This Workshop provided an excellent opportunity to learn various TB diagnostic techniques.
In the Workshop, different molecular techniques such as PCR along with the conventional methods like smear microscopy and cultures were demonstrated. According to WHO, the high rate of relapse and emergence of drug resistant Tuberculosis poses a major challenge to end TB. Unfortunately, India bears a significant high burden of drug resistant TB with a rate of 16% among previously treated cases.. With the help of advanced molecular techniques, detection of drug resistance has become possible in a shorter duration of 1 to 2 days. This workshop laid a platform for the trainees to be aware of such advanced diagnostic techniques and their better implementation in the road map of eliminating TB.