Second phase of TB therapy in central Gujarat soon

For the first time,the patients will be introduced to DNA diagnosis technique to diagnose MDR-TB. According to the World Health Organization (WHO),drug resistance is regarded as one of the major deterrents in the eradication of tuberculosis.

Three states,including Gujarat,are undertaking the pilot project of implementing the second line treatment of DOTS. But instead of the four-month wait for TB diagnosis,the evaluation will be completed in only eight hours with the DNA diagnosis technique.

The Sir Sayajirao General Hospital (SSG) has been chosen as the nodal centre for the second phase,which will start within the next few months.

Dr Kiran Rami,associate professor,department of TB and Chest Disease,Sir Sayajirao General Hospital (SSG),said,“We have designated a ward for project where the patients will be kept under constant observation and will be monitored for the side-effects associated with the DOTS Plus treatment.”

At present,over one lakh TB patients are registered with RNTCP and an estimated 2,000 are multi-drug resistant in need of second line treatment of DOTS-Plus.

WHO TB consultant Kiran Rade said: “The project will start with identifying MDR-TB patients which will be followed by a complete evaluation of their physical,medical and psychological state. They have to be counselled for 24 month treatment and also of the side effects.”

The first phase,conducted over the past few months,saw a 60 per cent success rate. “The Phase I patients still have to continue the treatment for two more years. But the initial 60 % success is the highest recorded in India. The introduction of DNA diagnosis treatment will further prove beneficial as it will speed up the treatment process,” said T V Bhadodia,director of State TB Training and Diagnosis Centre.