Cases of drug-resistant pulmonary TB on rise in UP

Lucknow: Even as Uttar Pradesh records a decline in overall tuberculosis (TB) cases, experts have raised concern over a steady rise in more severe lung forms — multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB.The issue was highlighted at a training programme held at Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS) on Thursday.Prof Ajay Kumar Verma, head of the pulmonary medicine department at RMLIMS, said drug-resistant pulmonary TB is increasing, making treatment longer and more complex. "While overall TB cases have reduced by about 21% since 2015, MDR and XDR TB are rising and remain a serious concern," he said.He noted that referral centres like RMLIMS are witnessing a higher burden of such cases."In peripheral areas, around three out of 10 TB patients may be drug-resistant, but at tertiary centres like ours, nearly five out of 10 patients have MDR or XDR TB," he said.He said MDR-TB occurs when TB bacteria become resistant to key first-line drugs such as rifampicin and isoniazid, while XDR-TB shows resistance to advanced second-line medicines.He pointed out that incomplete treatment is a major cause of drug resistance.He said molecular tests such as CBNAAT and Line Probe Assay can detect TB and drug resistance within hours to a couple of days.Former head of the pulmonary medicine department Prof Rajendra Prasad said India has made significant progress in reducing the TB burden, but rising drug resistance shows the challenge is far from over.Prof Richa Mishra from SGPGIMS emphasised that early detection and complete treatment are crucial to reducing TB-related deaths and preventing the spread of drug-resistant forms.