Ongoing Challenges of Tuberculosis (TB) in India
India has over a quarter of the global TB cases, making it a major challenge.
Despite diagnosing 25.1 lakh cases in 2023, many TB cases are still missed, highlighting the need for improved detection.
Current TB treatments are lengthy and involve taking multiple tablets daily, causing severe side effects and loss of employment.
Long-term treatment can drive families into poverty due to loss of income and high medical costs.
New, shorter regimens like BPaL/M are recommended to improve treatment effectiveness and patient compliance.
Enhancing TB screening and using advanced technologies, like AI-driven X-rays and rapid molecular tests, can help in early diagnosis and treatment.
What is BPaL/M?
BPaL/M is a shorter, more effective treatment for drug-resistant TB, recommended by WHO in 2022
The BPaL regimen utilizes three drugs: bedaquiline, pretomanid, and linezolid
Bedaquiline (Bdq):
Targets ATP synthase enzyme in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, disrupting energy production.
Key drug in combating drug-resistant TB.
Pretomanid (Pa):
Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis and kills bacteria under anaerobic conditions.
Enhances effectiveness when combined with other TB drugs.
Linezolid (Lzd):
Inhibits protein synthesis, stopping bacterial growth.
Effective against MDR and XDR TB strains.
It is entirely oral with NO injectable, making it easier for patients to adhere to the treatment
It requires only 3-4 tablets daily for six months, compared to the 13-14 tablets daily for longer regimens.
BPaL/M has a higher success rate of 89% compared to the 68% of traditional treatments.
Implementing BPaL/M could save $740 million annually globally due to lower treatment costs.
Around 80 countries have adopted BPaL/M, with about 20 high-burden countries already using it.
The regimen offers a safer and more efficient alternative, reducing side effects and improving patient outcomes.
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