TB Genomic Sequencing: DBT’s 10,000 Samples Milestone
Why in the news
The Department of Biotechnology has finished sequencing a third of its TB sample target, aiming to understand drug-resistant TB and India-specific genomic features of the bacterium.
Key facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Lead body | Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology |
| Programme | Data-Driven Research to Eradicate TB (Dare2eraD TB) |
| Target | 32,500 samples of Mycobacterium tuberculosis |
| Done so far | 10,000 samples (one-third) |
| Deadline | October 2025 |
| Consortium | DBT, CSIR, ICMR: Indian Tuberculosis Genomic Surveillance Consortium |
- Genomic sequencing is a lab method that determines the complete DNA sequence of an organism or cell type.
- Findings: 7% of strains resist a single drug; most patients are aged 18-45; many are diabetic and underweight.
National TB goals
- India aims to eliminate TB by 2025, five years before WHO’s 2030 goal.
- Prevalence in 2022: 1,990 per million, down from 2,370 in 2015; WHO benchmark for elimination is 1 per million.
- India contributes 28% of global new TB cases.
Concerns
- Drug-resistant TB is a major treatment and public health worry.
- Up to 3,000 per million may carry latent TB, enabling undetected spread.
- Diagnostic confirmation can take up to three weeks.
Way forward
- AI may cut testing time from three weeks to one.
- Genomic data can yield faster, more precise diagnostics and reveal regional variation.
- Data will guide drug development, targeted action and national TB control policy.
Exam angle
- Programme: Dare2eraD TB; nodal body: DBT.
- Sample target: 32,500.