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Easy method in Chennai to detect TB in children
Posted on: 18/Apr/2014 2:21:02 PM
Till now it is a cumbersome process to detect Tuberculosis in children.
Now, in an effort to assess the prevalence of TB, especially the multi-drug resistant type, in children, the Revised National TB control programme (RNTCP) along with other agencies has initiated a pilot project in Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata and New Delhi to detect the bacteria at the molecular level using Xpert MTB/RIF, a WHO-recommended technology.
As part of the project, four centralised laboratories will be set up in there cities. The one in Chennai has been set up at National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (NIRT), Chetpet.
The test, Xpert MTB/RIF, is a cartridge-based, automated diagnostic test that can identify the DNA of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which causes the infection, and resistance to first-line drug rifampicin. Traditionally, TB is diagnosed by looking for evidence of the bacteria either through the use of the chest X-ray, sputum smear microscopy, or through the culturing of bacteria. "The final diagnosis will take at least two weeks. With this technology, we can diagnose the patient in two hours," said Dr Jagdish Prasad, director general of health services, ministry of health and family welfare.
