Prevalance of tuberculosis amongst healthcare workers, working in DOTS/sputum microscopy centre in two different districts of state of Uttarakhand & Uttar Pradesh of India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: The Healthcare workers (HCWs) who work in DOTS/Sputum microscopy centre are exposed to higher risk of contacting tuberculosis (TB) comparatively to other health workers who are serving the other health sectors. The HCWs in DOTS are more exposed due to direct contact with patients suffering from TB or through sharing the infected air space with the infectious patients. The aim of the study is to know the prevalance of TB disease amongst the HCWs who are working in DOTS cum Sputum Microscopy Centre's under RNTCP in two different districts of state of Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Uttarakhand (UK) of india. METHODS: The prospective cross-sectional study is conducted in two districts of different states having high burden of TB disease in UP and low burden of TB disease in UK state. All 100% (130) staff i.e. Medical officers, Sputum microscopy technicians, DOTS providers of DOTS cum Sputum Microscopy centre's of both selected Ghaziabad (UP) and Dehradun (UK) districts are covered in the study. RESULTS: The 4.6% (6) healthcare workers of both the districts were taking ATT at the time of interview and 13.8% (18) HCWs had taken the ATT in past. The 62.5% (15) HCWs i.e 55.5% (5) from Dehradun district and 66.6% (10) from Ghaziabad district preferred to have a ATT from the private medical store inspite of taking DOTS with assumption of low efficacy of drugs and high toxicity. The 58.33% (14) HCWs ie 55.5% (5) staff members of DOTS/sputum microscopy centre in Dehradun & 60.0% (9) staff members of DOTS/sputum microscopy centre in Ghaziabad district had not notified about the status of their disease to the health care authority due the assumption that they may be asked to leave the job or to go on a long unpaid leave. CONCLUSION: The 18.4% (24) HCWs of both the district got TB disease during their working in DOTS/Sputum microscopy centre and 4.6% (6) HCWs of both the districts were taking the ATT at the time of interview.

From Scylla to Charybdis: Fixed drug combinations for tuberculosis and increased ethambutol-induced optic neuropathy in India.

Purpose: To describe the increase in prevalence of ethambutol-induced optic neuropathy (EON) in patients presenting to a single tertiary referral eye care center in India after introduction of weight-based fixed dose combinations and an increase in duration of ethambutol use from 2016 in the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program. Methods: This was a retrospective, observational, referral hospital-based study of 156 patients with a diagnosis of EON presenting to a single tertiary referral eye care center between January 2016 and December 2019. The main outcome measure was to assess the increase in prevalence of EON cases presenting to our tertiary care institute. Results: During the 4-year study period, 156 new patients were diagnosed with EON. A total of 101 patients (64.7%) were males and 55 (35.3%) were females. The most common age group affected was 41-60 years. The significant complaint at presentation was decreased vision in all the patients. A rising trend in the number of patients diagnosed as EON was seen, with the prevalence increasing from 16 cases in 2016, 13 cases in 2017, and 31 cases in 2018 to 96 cases in 2019. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated an alarming increase in the trend of EON cases presenting to our tertiary care institute.

Childhood Tuberculosis and Isoniazid Preventive Therapy Among Household Contacts of Sputum Positive Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients: A Descriptive Observational Study.

Background The prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) disease among household contacts of adult TB patients is very high. Contact screening and isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) are recommended for household contacts, but their uptake by families and implementation by the national TB program are poor. This study was performed to estimate the yield of tuberculosis disease, risk factors associated with disease development, and coverage of IPT in household contacts of sputum-positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at MGM Medical College Hospital Aurangabad. Sputum-positive adult TB patients were enrolled in the study. Their household contacts were screened for TB disease, and the status of IPT in eligible contacts was studied. Serial screening and follow-up of these contacts were performed for one year. Results A total of 82 contacts of 55 index cases were studied. At the one-year follow-up, 15 (18%) patients developed TB disease. Twelve had pulmonary TB, and three had extrapulmonary TB. The mean age of diseased contacts was 5.5 years. The disease was more common in contacts under six years of age. Sixty-four percent of eligible contacts received IPT. There was a statistically significant association between disease development and noncompliance with IPT (p-value 0.005913). Conclusions The yield of tuberculosis disease is high in children contacts with sputum-positive pulmonary TB cases. IPT implementation is inadequate in child contact.

Review on public private mix TB control strategy in India.

In India, around 70% of health care services are offered by the private sector. National strategic plan (NSP) has emphasized private sector engagement to TB program. Public private mix strategy along with web based mandatory notification of TB cases were established in 2002. However, feasibility of consulting an informal provider first was seen to be associated with significant increases in total delay (absolute increase 22.8 days, 95%CI 6.2-39.5) and in the risk of prolonged delay >90 days. STUDY DESIGN: A mixed method literature review, descriptive information and evaluative outcomes data extracted and analysed. OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to systematically review public private mix strategy in TB control in Indian tuberculosis disease burden and efforts towards elimination. METHODS: Available published literatures were searched with key words, articles related with objectives were selected, analysed and systematically synthesized. Overall 30 studies were reviewed. RESULT: Available literatures were selected based on study objective and analysed. The modes of PPM strategy its success and problems of implementation and shortcomings were synthesized. DISCUSSION: After implementing PPM from 2002, case detection is seen to have significantly increased for smear positive cases and high detection rate and better treatment outcomes achieved. However, implementation of PPM has been challenged to fully deliver the intended services. Interestingly, seeking initial care from PPs is significant risk factor for diagnostic delay. CONCLUSION: PPM is a proven and tested strategy to achieve End TB goal globally and even in India. However, studies indicated there is the need to strengthen and motivate public sector to engage private practitioners in specific districts and sync their activities into the mainstream programme. Conflict of interest and mistrust between private practitioners and public sector has to be well addressed to build sustainable relationship among the sectors. Routine and institutionalized systematic monitoring and evaluation of the system is required to meet the End TB goal by 2025.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude, practice (KAP) regarding directly observed therapy (DOT) in tuberculosis among ASHA workers from tribal subpopulation zone of Rajasthan.

Introduction: A high level of community awareness and positive perception towards tuberculosis and its management is crucial for the successful outcome of any control measure. In India the Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) plays a key role in providing awareness and counselling on healthcare issues and management, particularly in remote areas. The tribal population is vulnerable to such infectious diseases due to resource limitations and remote locations. We assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding directly observed therapy (DOT) among ASHA workers in the tribal belt of the Sirohi district of Rajasthan state. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among ASHA workers of Sirohi district from January 2021 to June 2021. A predesigned and structured questionnaire was used to gather information on knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding the management of tuberculosis and DOT. Results: A total of 95 ASHAs participated in the study with a mean age of 35.82 years. Good knowledge (Mean score = 6.2947 ± 1.08052) was observed regarding tuberculosis and DOT. 81% (n = 74) have good knowledge regarding DOT whereas most have a poor attitude and only 47% have adequate practice. A 55% of ASHAs did not adhere even a single TB patient in the last three years. Conclusion: In our study, knowledge gaps were identified which may result in substandard patient care. The structured refresher training towards DOT and also training to work in tribal areas will further improve the KAP of ASHAs. It might be needed to provide a module or curriculum regarding awareness among ASHAs for strengthening follow-up system for tuberculosis patients among the tribal population.

A comparative study of factors for interruption of antitubercular treatment among defaulters in urban and rural areas of Kamrup District, Assam.

BACKGROUND: Defaulting from treatment is an important challenge for tuberculosis (TB) control. As per the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme quarterly reports of Kamrup District (Assam), among the registered cases default rate was 13.3%(2008) & 13.1 % (2009). OBJECTIVES: To elicit reasons & factors responsible for interruption of treatment from a cohort of TB defaulters of urban & rural areas in Kamrup District. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted among 1/3rd of all defaulters who were put on Directly Observed Treatment Short-course chemotherapy in 2011 under 1 urban Tuberculosis Unit (TU) & 2 rural TUs of Kamrup District. From these 3 TUs, total 210 patients interrupted treatment in 2011; so 70 defaulters (35 from 1 urban TU & 35 from 2 rural TUs) were interviewed in their residences by using a pretested and predesigned schedule. Study was conducted in January - June, 2012. RESULTS: Majority of the defaulters was illiterate (51.4%) in rural areas but in urban areas majority studied upto high school level (37.1%). Maximum defaulters were in the age group 25-44 years (55.7% in urban areas & 62.9% in rural areas). The number of defaulters decreased uniformly with increasing income in the rural areas & but not so in urban areas. More number of new cases defaulted in rural areas (82.8%) compared to urban areas (57.1%). Improvement in symptoms was found to be the most common reason (45.7% in urban areas & 40 % in rural areas), leading to treatment interruption. CONCLUSIONS: Early improvement in symptom was the most common reason leading to treatment interruption. Continuous health education should be provided to TB patients emphasizing the need to continue treatment despite early improvement in symptoms.

The possible impact of socioeconomic, income, and educational status on adverse effects of drug and their therapeutic episodes in patients targeted with a combination of tuberculosis interventions.

First-line antituberculosis (anti-TB) compounds have been considered as proven components of the Directly Observed Treatment-Short course (DOTS). Drug therapy against tuberculosis has been categorized as I, II, or III following the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program guidelines. Anti-TB are drugs are quite common and show limited adverse effects. However, first-line anti-TB compounds mediated DOTS therapy and were found with several complications. Thus, those drugs have been discontinued. Therefore, the present study was designed to find out the possible impact of socioeconomic, income, and educational status on the adverse effects of drugs and their therapeutic episodes in patients targeted with a combination of tuberculosis intervention. This study found that an increased incidence of tuberculosis was found in patients who have finished high school, contributing to a high percentage of adverse effects. Notably, adverse events were shown maximally in poor patients compared with rich- or high-income patients. On the contrary, a high prevalence of adverse events was shown to be increased in partially skilled workers compared with full-skilled workers. Consequently, adversely considerable events were implicated to be raised in patients associated with minimal socioeconomic class. Such interesting factors would help in monitoring such events in experimental patients.

Evolution of newer regimens in TB from RNTCP to NTEP.

TB is a global disease and the leading cause of death among infectious diseases worldwide. TB was considered incurable till the mid 19th century. The major landmark in the treatment was the discovery of Rifampicin which has led to shorter courses of therapy as compared to the previous regimens which also consisted of injectables. Although, treatment for TB is evolving expeditiously today but a lot needs to be done as far as drug resistant TB (DRTB) is concerned. Non-standard regimens in private sector, lack of access to drug susceptibility testing, delay in the treatment, poor follow up and default in the treatment has led to emergence DRTB. Addition of newer drugs like bedaquiline and delamanid has made oral regimen possible in DRTB as well. Encouraging results of BPaL regimen for extensively drug resistant TB (XDR-TB) may prove to be a game changer. The target of TB elimination by 2025 is onerous considering the huge population, rising DRTB patients and private sector non engagement in the programme despite implementation of second largest national programme of the world.

Awareness about tuberculosis and RNTCP services among rural people in Nalgonda district, Telangana.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB), an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis discovered in ancient centuries still remains a major public health problem in India. Lack of awareness about the cause, risk factors, treatment and prevention of TB among rural people is a major challenge to be addressed to reduce disease transmission. AIMS: To assess the knowledge of TB among rural people. To assess the awareness about RNTCP services. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Cross-sectional study was conducted in six randomly selected villages attached to a medical college. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Houses were selected by systematic random sampling method and younger person was identified as study subject. Data were collected from a sample of 300 by predesigned pretested semi-structured questionnaire. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were presented in proportions with confidence interval and Chi-square test was applied to find the association between variables by using SPSS ver. 23. RESULTS: The study showed that 79.6% knew that the cause of TB is bacteria. Majority of the participants 93.6% (95% CI: 90.3, 96.1) knew that TB primarily affects lungs. Subjects were aware of free diagnostic services (85.3%), free treatment services (89%) available in the govt setup. CONCLUSIONS: Although the awareness of symptoms, causative agent, mode of spread was reasonably good, knowledge on availability of DOTS centres, services offered through RNTCP is still poor among rural population.

Active case finding of tuberculosis among household contacts of newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients: A community-based study from southern Haryana.

BACKGROUND: Active case-finding is provider-initiated and implies systematic searching for TB in individuals who would not spontaneously present to a health service, and bringing them into care for diagnosis and treatment. AIM: The present study was carried out with the objective to assess the yield and feasibility of active case finding strategy among household contacts of newly diagnosed pulmonary TB cases and to determine risk factors in household contact. METHODS: This community-based study with cross-sectional design was conducted among the household contacts of all newly diagnosed microbiologically confirmed pulmonary TB patients registered at Tuberculosis Unit (TU), Nuh. Investigator conducted house to house visit and met respective index case and his/her household contacts to build the rapport. RESULTS: In the present study, there were 55 sputum smear-positive index cases and 356 household contacts of index cases. The most common symptom among screening positive household contacts was cough followed by weight loss. A substantial proportion (83.8%) of symptom positive household contacts were investigated for tuberculosis and among them, 18.9% were found to be positive for tuberculosis. The overall prevalence of TB cases among household contacts was found to be 1.97%. CONCLUSION: The present study concludes that household contact screening for active case finding for TB is a feasible and efficient tool that can potentially result in earlier diagnosis and treatment of active TB, thus minimizing the severity and decreasing transmission. It can also contribute toward improving treatment outcomes, health sequelae, and the social and economic consequences of TB.

Comparison of Clinical, Radiological and Laboratory Parameters Between Elderly and Young Patient With Newly Diagnosed Smear Positive Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Hospital-Based Cross Sectional Study.

Introduction To compare clinical, radiological and haematological manifestations among newly diagnosed smear positive tuberculosis patients between Group I (Elderly >60 yrs) and Group II (Younger age between 13 and 60 years). Methodology This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted at the out-patient department of pulmonary medicine, between March 2014 and December 2017. There were 61 patients in Group I (Elderly > 60 yrs) and 110 patients in Group II (Younger age between 13 and 60 years). Continuous variables were compared using student's t-test and Mann-Whitney test. Chi square test and Fischer test was used for analysing categorical variables. All statistics were two-tailed, and a p-value of 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results The mean age for Group I (Elderly >60 yrs) was 65 ± 2 years and for the Group II (Younger age between 13 and 60 years) was 40 ± 1 years. There was a statistically significant association of cavitation with infiltrates (p = 0.007) in younger age group. Bilateral multiple zone (48, 64.86%) involvements were commonly observed in both the age groups. There was no significant difference between two groups with regard to haematological and clinical parameters. Conclusion We did not find any difference in the presentation of tuberculosis in both the groups. Radiologically, there was more of cavitating lesion in younger age group. So, they should be isolated and followed up at regular intervals.

Determination of isoniazid acetylation patterns in tuberculosis patients receiving DOT therapy under the Revised National tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) in India.

Isoniazid is the most commonly used drug for treatment of tuberculosis, and is administered individually or in combination with other drugs as standard first line therapy. Offsetting its efficacy, severe adverse effects, especially peripheral neuropathy and hepatotoxicity, are associated with isoniazid therapy, limiting its use in tuberculosis. Isoniazid is acetylated in vivo producing hydrazine and acetyl hydrazine, which are responsible for hepatotoxicity. Marked pharmacogenetic differences in acetylation have been reported among different population across the globe. This study evaluates isoniazid acetylation patterns in tuberculosis patients receiving DOT therapy under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) in a specialized tuberculosis hospital in north India. Of 351 patients from whom samples were taken for biochemical analysis of adverse events, 36 were assessed for acetylation patterns. Blood samples were taken 1 h after administration of a 600 mg dose of isoniazid, and plasma concentrations of isoniazid were determined using a validated HPLC method. Of these 36 patients, 20 (55.56%) were slow acetylators and 16 (44.44%) were fast acetylators. Our results are consistent with those of an earlier study conducted in a different region of India. Most biochemical changes produced during long-term isoniazid therapy resolve after therapy is terminated.

Impact of UDST: A step forward to end TB.

BACKGROUND: India is determined to eliminate TB by 2025 despite being a high burden country. Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) is being strengthened with introduction of Universal Drug Susceptibility Testing (UDST) for Rifampicin to achieve the elimination status. METHODOLOGY: We used a before-after comparison of baseline and intervention periods (12 months each) and analyzed data viz CBNAAT performed and case detection for both drug sensitive and drug resistant TB cases. RESULTS: After implementation of Universal DST, CBNAAT performed raised from 1252 to 3137 (increased by 2.5 times); Rif sensitive cases detected raised from 458 to 1241 (increased by 2.7 times) and Rif resistant cases detected raised from 54 to 82 (increased by 1.5 times) during baseline period (2017) and intervention period (2018). CONCLUSION: We conclude that introduction of UDST for Rifampicin in RNTCP has given a significant impact with increased case detection in our study.

Treatment outcomes with daily self-administered treatment and thrice-weekly directly-observed treatment in two cohorts of newly-diagnosed, sputum-positive adults with pulmonary tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: The Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) envisages shifting from thrice-weekly to a daily anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT) regimen. The potential merits and demerits of both regimens continue to be debated. METHODS: This retrospective study compared treatment outcomes in 191 HIV-negative, newly diagnosed, sputum-positive adults with pulmonary tuberculosis from Vellore district of Tamil Nadu who were treated at a private medical college during 2009 to 2012 with intermittent Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (intermittent DOTS cohort, n=132) or who opted for daily Self-Administered Treatment (daily SAT cohort, n=59). Treatment outcomes obtained from medical records were supplemented by interviews with consenting, traceable patients. RESULTS: The rates for the RNTCP-recommended sputum smear examinations were suboptimal (42% for daily SAT and 72% for intermittent DOTS). However, treatment success with daily SAT and intermittent DOTS (76.2% vs. 70.4%); default (11.9% vs. 18.2%); death (6.8% vs. 5.3%); treatment failure (5.1% vs. 4.6%); and relapse (0% vs. 1.5%) did not significantly differ. CONCLUSIONS: While evaluable treatment outcomes were not significantly different with daily SAT and intermittent DOTS, rates for timely smear examinations and for treatment success were lower, and for default higher, in both cohorts than comparable RNTCP data from Vellore district. Further strengthening of RNTCP facilities within private medical colleges and regular, real-time audits of performance and outcomes are needed if daily ATT regimen under the RNTCP is to succeed.

'Have we missed reporting adverse drug reactions under Revised National TB Control Programme?' - A mixed method study in Bengaluru, India.

OBJECTIVE: Prompt identification, reporting and management of ADRs during anti tuberculosis treatment can ensure better compliance and treatment outcomes. The study was conducted to identify the gaps and associated factors in reporting of ADRs under RNTCP; assess knowledge, attitude and practice of RNTCP staff regarding pharmacovigilance programme and explore the barriers in reporting of ADRs from provider's perspective. METHODS: Mixed method research with sequential explanatory design was carried out in Tuberculosis Units of RNTCP administrative district of Bangalore city during July to December 2017. Quantitative study was carried out among 222 patients on intensive phase of Category I and Category II DOTS to study the incidence, severity and causality of ADRs; and records of these patients were analysed for gaps in reporting. Knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) regarding recording and reporting aspect of pharmacovigilance programme was assessed among RNTCP staff. As part of the qualitative study, focus group discussion was carried out among RNTCP staff to study barriers for reporting ADRs from the provider's perspective. RESULTS: Record analysis at the time of recruitment showed documentation of ADRs in only five patients. Subsequent analysis of patient records during the middle and end of the intensive phase (IP) did not show documentation of any ADRs. Simultaneously interviews with patients revealed 116 (52.2%), 72 (32.4%) and 53 (23.8%) patients reported one or more symptoms of ADRs. The commonest ADR symptom reported were fatigability and gastrointestinal symptoms followed by musculoskeletal symptoms. KAP among 25 RNTCP staff showed that 96% of them felt reporting of ADRs was necessary and 92% reported the ADRs to their seniors, however 12% were scared to report. The main reason expressed for non-reporting was 'managing ADRs is more important than reporting' (52%). Also, 32% felt the need for retraining of staff on reporting and documentation. Barriers to reporting of ADRs were both health-system related like insufficient training and inadequate guidelines provided to RNTCP staff and patient-related factors like lack of awareness and reluctance to report ADRs. CONCLUSION: Successful implementation of RNTCP and achievement of TB elimination requires provision of adequate information regarding ADRs to patients and intense follow-up and probing at each contact by programme staff to effectively manage ADRs.

Epidemiological and behavioural correlates of drug-resistant tuberculosis in a Tertiary Care Centre, Delhi, India.

BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a major public health challenge in India. It is associated with poor treatment outcomes, multiple adverse effects to treatment and involves enormous social and economic losses. The objective of the study was to ascertain the epidemiological and behavioural correlates contributing to drug resistance among patients admitted in a tertiary hospital in Delhi with drug-resistant TB (DR-TB). METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out during the period of July-November 2013 at the Rajan Babu Institute of Pulmonary Medicine and Tuberculosis (RBIPMT), Delhi. All patients admitted with DR-TB for treatment were interviewed regarding social, demographic, and treatment aspects, using a semi-structured questionnaire. Their medical records were also reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 250 patients were included in the study; 198 (79.2%) with multidrug-resistant (MDR-TB) and 52 (20.8%) with extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB). Of these, 66% patients were male and 46% came from poor socioeconomic background. All the patients had history of receiving anti-tubercular treatment (a mean of 2.3 times, range 1-6 times) before the current diagnosis of DR-TB. While 81 (32%) took treatment from private practitioner during the first episode of TB, 146 (58%) received treatment exclusively at government health facilities. Almost 87% of DR-TB patients were previously treated with category-II under RNTCP. Irregularity of treatment was reported by 88 (35%) patients. CONCLUSION: The study explores the epidemiological and behavioural correlates among the patients with drug-resistant TB. History of previous treatments for TB was a common feature among all the enrolled patients. The fact that more than half of DR-TB patients received anti-tubercular treatment exclusively in government facilities is a matter of concern. There is an urgent need to ensure treatment adherence through improved quality in service delivery in public sector and strong linkage with the private sector. Health education and patient counseling is needed to address personal level risk factors and to ensure treatment adherence.

A study on procedural delay in diagnosis and start of treatment in drug resistant tuberculosis under RNTCP.

BACKGROUND: Multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) has become a significant public health problem and an obstacle to effective TB control. Rapid diagnostic tests for anti tubercular drugs sensitivity have significantly reduced total time in initiation of treatment. Still there is a significant gap between MDR diagnosis and start of category IV treatment. Delay in establishing the diagnosis may cause disease progression, transmission, lost to follow up and death. This study was planned to assess the actual delay from day one of sputum examination to the day of initiation of category IV in operational settings. METHODOLOGY: MDR-TB suspected patients attending the Respiratory medicine department, JLNMC, Ajmer from June-15 to July-16 were followed from sputum examination to sample deposition for drug sensitivity testing (LPA/CBNAAT) to MDR detection to category IV initiation, for assessment of procedural delay at various steps. RESULTS: LPA group (371 patients): Sputum smear to LPA deposition mean duration was 8.02 days, LPA deposition to LPA result upload mean duration was 3.78 days, LPA deposition to patients received LPA reports mean duration was 21.73 days and reports received to PMDT site admission (if drug resistant) mean duration was 3.61 days. Total time duration in category IV initiation was 32.63 days. CBNAAT group (50 patients): Sputum smear to CBNAAT deposition mean duration was 6.70 days, CBNAAT deposition to CBNAAT result upload mean duration was 1.13 days, CBNAAT deposition to patients received CBNAAT reports mean duration was 6.53 days and reports received to PMDT site admission (if R-resistant) mean duration was 3.8 days. Total time duration in category IV initiation was 12.4 days. CONCLUSION: Major delay seen on part of receiving sensitivity reports indicates the need to stress upon field staff motivation, appropriate training, sensitisation and expert counselling.

Pediatric TB Management under RNTCP: What and Why?

Childhood tuberculosis does not get the attention it deserves, both in the general child health services and the TB specific services. The difficulty in identification of the organism due to lack of proper sample as well as lower sensitivity of the smear, made it harder to detect cases with ease in the community. Newer diagnostic methods like cartridge based nucleic acid amplification tests (CBNAAT) and line probe assays (LPA) have the capacity to rapidly identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis with an improved sensitivity over the smear testing and have been employed under Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) across the country. As the symptoms suggestive of TB are very common and overlapping, the final yield of TB testing is better if the microbiological confirmation is done on good quality specimen from cases suspected of TB based on clinical and radiological abnormalities. Newer tests also provide simultaneous detection of much critical Rifampicin resistance. A Rifampicin resistant case is not only unlikely to respond to first-line standard therapy but such a treatment can result in further amplification of resistance to other companion drugs. Prevention of spread of the drug resistant disease thus requires that the treatment is guided by universal drug sensitivity testing (U-DST) of all TB cases. Furthermore, several changes have come up in the treatment of TB and are discussed. The dosages of anti TB drugs have been revised upwardly for optimal drug levels and now the fixed drug combinations are used under RNTCP. With the awareness about high initial Isoniazid (INH) resistance and its contribution to failure of retreatment regime, a companion third drug (Ethambutol) has been added to the continuation phase of the first-line therapy. The standard retreatment regime, better known as category II therapy, has been replaced by specific therapy as per the resistance pattern detected. The TB control activities have thus evolved a lot and the present article discusses the evolution and the current status of diagnostics and therapy of TB in children.

Pattern and trends of drug sensitivity in MDR-TB cases in Delhi (2009-2014): A record based study.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted with the objective to understand pattern and trends in drug sensitivity among MDR-TB cases in Delhi from 2009 to 2014 using existing records. METHODS: A retrospective record-based study was conducted at three Drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) treatment centers in Delhi. For data collection, patient treatment cards and TB registers were accessed. All multidrug-resistant (DR) TB patients registered, and initiated on treatment from January 2009 to December 2014 in three DR-TB centers were included in the study. RESULTS: A cumulative total of 2958 MDR-TB cases were registered in the three DR-TB centers during the period from Jan 2009 to December 2014. The median value time interval between culture test result and initiation of treatment was 82 days. High resistance was found against Streptomycin (70%), Ethambutol (40.1%), Ofloxacin (42.4%) and Kanamycin (12%). Favorable treatment outcomes ranged from 52.5% to 56.9% in cases resistant to only first-line anti-TB drugs but was much lower in the pre XDR-TB cases (26.3%) and XDR-TB cases (12.5%). CONCLUSION: The proportion of cases with additional resistance to ofloxacin, kanamycin, ethionamide, and streptomycin increased over time from 2009 to 2014. Reducing the time to treatment initiation from initial diagnosis of MDR-TB could further improve treatment outcomes.

Strategy to sensitize private practitioners on RNTCP through medico-social workers in urban field practice area of a Medical College in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

BACKGROUND: India accounts for 25% of global TB burden and majority of TB patients seek care from private practitioners. It becomes imperative to involve private practitioners with newer strategies to strengthen the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP). A study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices among private practitioners with regards to tuberculosis case detection and referral and to demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing existing medico-social worker of a medical college in sensitizing the private practitioners. METHODS: An intervention study was conducted during 2017. In an urban field practice area of a medical college, 34 allopathic private practitioners (PP) from six slums formed the study population. The RNTCP trained Medico social workers (MSW) of medical college provided repeated sensitization to private practitioners on case referrals. The data of KAP among private practitioners was collected. The output of repeated sensitization was measured by comparing the number of cases referred by Private Practitioners to DMC during the pre and post intervention period. RESULTS: Only 1 in 2 practitioners were aware about the duration of cough in presumptive TB cases. Nearly 44% of them were not aware about the first investigation of choice under RNTCP; 53% of the doctors did not know about the total number of sputum samples to be collected. After the sensitization of PPs by MSWs the number of presumptive pulmonary cases was increased by more than two folds. CONCLUSION: The strategy of utilizing the services of medico-social workers employed in a medical college to sensitize the private practitioners is feasible and has demonstrated the increase in number of presumptive TB case referrals to DMCs.