78 villages in Nagaland declared TB-free

Kohima: The Nagaland govt on Sunday said 78 villages in the state were now tuberculosis-free.The places include 34 villages in Phek district, 19 in Longleng, nine in Wokha, four in Mokokchung and three in Kohima, an official said.The announcement was made on the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day on Sunday.The National TB Elimination Programme team conducted surveys and found that these villages were TB-free, she said.As per reports, Nagaland had 4,284 active TB cases in 2023.World Tuberculosis Day is observed on March 24, when Dr Robert Koch announced in 1882 that he had discovered the bacterium which causes TB, paving the way for diagnosing and cure. PTI

Essential and common tests for Tuberculosis diagnosis

Various tests like TST, IGRAs, sputum culture, chest X-ray, NAATs, and histopathology are crucial for accurate TB diagnosis. Dr. Vigyan Mishra highlights the importance of healthcare provider education in staying informed about TB diagnostic advancements.

World TB Day: Tobacco smokers at higher risk of developing tuberculosis, say experts

Efforts to combat TB in India require stronger tobacco control laws and enhanced cessation services. Smoking significantly increases TB risk and undermines treatment effectiveness, posing a dual threat to public health.

What are the common non-pulmonary organs that tuberculosis can affect?

Tuberculosis can target multiple organs, from the brain to the skin, beyond just the lungs. Early detection is crucial, especially in high-risk groups like diabetes, HIV patients, and those on steroids, to ensure effective management.