MDR-TB (Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis) is a form of TB that does not respond to at least two of the most potent TB drugs: isoniazid and rifampicin. This resistance presents a significant challenge in TB treatment.
XDR-TB (Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis) is an even more severe variant of MDR-TB. It is resistant not only to isoniazid and rifampicin but also to fluoroquinolones and at least one of the second-line injectable drugs, complicating treatment options further.
The BPaL regimen is an innovative treatment protocol designed for patients suffering from MDR-TB and XDR-TB. It comprises three essential drugs: bedaquiline, pretomanid, and linezolid. This combination aims to enhance treatment efficacy and patient compliance.
NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) is a molecular diagnostic tool utilized to detect the DNA of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This test is crucial for the early and accurate diagnosis of TB, which allows for timely commencement of effective treatments such as the BPaL regimen.
The introduction of the BPaL regimen has led to a significant reduction in treatment costs. With the availability of generic bedaquiline, the total cost for patients is approximately $426. This affordability enhances accessibility for TB programs and those affected by the disease.
India is poised to begin training healthcare professionals this month to implement the BPaL regimen nationwide. This initiative is a vital element of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme, aimed at improving patient outcomes and effectively addressing drug-resistant TB.
Q1. What is the main challenge with MDR-TB and XDR-TB?
Answer: The main challenge with MDR-TB and XDR-TB is their resistance to standard TB medications, making treatment longer, more complex, and often less effective.
Q2. How does the BPaL regimen improve TB treatment?
Answer: The BPaL regimen improves TB treatment by shortening the duration to six months and simplifying the regimen to just three daily tablets, enhancing patient adherence.
Q3. What role does NAAT play in TB diagnosis?
Answer: NAAT is vital for early TB diagnosis as it detects the DNA of the TB bacteria, allowing for prompt and appropriate treatment to begin.
Q4. Why is the cost of the BPaL regimen significant?
Answer: The reduced cost of the BPaL regimen, about $426, is significant as it increases accessibility for patients and public health programs combating TB.
Q5. What is India's approach to tackling drug-resistant TB?
Answer: India is focusing on training healthcare professionals to implement the BPaL regimen, part of a comprehensive strategy to eliminate TB and improve health outcomes.
Question 1: What does MDR-TB stand for?
A) Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis
B) Multiple Drug Types Tuberculosis
C) Major Drug Resistance Tuberculosis
D) Multinational Drug Resistant Tuberculosis
Correct Answer: A
Question 2: Which drugs are involved in the BPaL regimen?
A) Isoniazid and Rifampicin
B) Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, and Linezolid
C) Fluoroquinolones and Rifampicin
D) Linezolid and Moxifloxacin
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What is the duration of treatment with the BPaL regimen?
A) 12 months
B) 18-24 months
C) 6 months
D) 9 months
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: What is NAAT used for in TB diagnosis?
A) Detecting the symptoms of TB
B) Amplifying the DNA of TB bacteria
C) Treating TB infections
D) Monitoring treatment effectiveness
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What is a primary concern with XDR-TB?
A) Cost of treatment
B) Resistance to multiple drugs
C) Difficulty in diagnosis
D) Length of treatment
Correct Answer: B
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