Strategic diagnosis- Unraveling Tuberculosis- A comprehensive approach

Abstract

Tuberculosis, an airborne-infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis remains a perpetual threat globally. It claims over 1.4 million lives per year. Various diagnostic strategies including smear microscopy, culture methods, immunochromatographic assays and molecular methods have paved the way for tuberculosis diagnosis. The Government of India has introduced National Strategic Plan (NSP) for TB elimination, aiming to achieve a rapid decline in the incidence, morbidity, and mortality of TB by the year 2030. In its quest for TB elimination, the plan is structured around four strategic pillars: “Detect-Treat-Prevent-Build.” To achieve these pillars and progress towards TB elimination, the government encourages adoption of novel point-of- care diagnostics techniques.