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People are living with HIV and addressing social and economic factors contributing to TB's spread in vulnerable populations. In addition, it is essential to ensure that efforts to combat TB are inclusive and prioritised.
There has been a lot of panic on the arrival of the Totally Drug-Resistant TB in India today, especially in Mumbai (as 10 of the 12 patients diagnosed with it are from the city). We talked to Dr Ujjwal Parakh, a senior consultant in the Chest Medicine Department at Sri Gangaram Hospital in New Delhi.
Is there a real reason to panic about the Totally Drug-resistant TB? How can one contract the disease?
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Dr Parakh: There are two ways this disease can spread. In the first type, you can contract it directly from a person who is suffering from TDR TB. In the second case, you are a known case of TB and your TB bacilli have become resistant to drugs due to faulty treatment or not following the drug regimen properly. After taking the medicines for 2-3 months, people usually neglect the doctor's advise and discontinue the treatment. The bacilli are not yet fully eliminated from the body and become resistant to drugs. I always advise people that taking your TB medicine properly can be your biggest service to mankind!
What kind of preventive care can be taken by people?
Dr Parakh: If you have TB, stick to your drug regimen and follow the doctor's instructions properly. Visit him regularly.
What about people who have never had TB?
Dr.Parakh: Make sure your immunity levels are good. And try and avoid frequent direct contact with known cases of TB. (read more about the prevention of TBhere)
Is there any vaccination for preventing TB?
Dr Parakh: BCG vaccine works only on newborns. It doesn't provide any benefits in older children and adults.
Is there any hope for people who have been declared to have TDR-TB?
Dr Parakh: If it has been declared as totally drug-resistant, there is not much we can do medically. But if the TB is localized, then sometimes surgically removing the affected part may increase the chances of survival. But this differs from case to case and will be decided by the doctor handling the patient.
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