World TB Day Observed at Patna

March 25, 2008

One day Free TB detection camp was organized today on the eve of World TB Day,

24th March 2008 at Dr Diwakar Tejaswi’s Clinic, Exhibition Road, Patna under

the banner of International Health Organization (IHO) and Public Awareness for

Healthful Living (PAHAL).

Addressing the press conference, Noted Physician and Medical Director of

International Health Organization, Dr Diwakar Tejaswi informed that after MDR

(Multi Drug Resistant) TB, XDR TB has started spreading in Indian Society.

In MDR TB, TB bacilli becomes resistant to at least 2 most important anti TB

drugs- Rifampicin and Isoniazide whereas in XDR TB, apart from these two most

important first line drugs, TB bacilli becomes resistant to at least three of

the six classes of second line medicines, making it virtually untreatable. He

also informed that the first documented case of XDR from the entire region was

diagnosed at his clinic recently after the confirmation of sputum culture

sensitivity test against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Quoting recent research outcome from AIIMS he also informed that out of 54

HIV-TB co infected patients, 33% were found to be having XDR TB and sadly they

all died within 3 months of diagnosis which is extremely alarming.

He requested to all concerned that TB patients should be made aware that during

coughing they have to keep handkerchief/ cloth in front of their mouth as those

suffering from Pulmonary TB and not on anti TB drugs, can spread 40,000- 50,000

TB Bacilli in one bout of cough.

Medical and paramedical staff can protect themselves from acquiring XDR TB by

using face mask while taking care of such patients.

Dr Tejaswi stressed that the best way to prevent spread of MDR TB and XDR TB is

that those suffering from TB and HIV TB co infection should be diagnosed as soon

as possible and they should take proper medicines in proper dosage for the time

period as prescribed by Physicians with regular follow-up. Otherwise it is going

to be the most dangerous public health hazard.

_________________

Dr Diwakar Tejaswi <diwakartejaswi@...>

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