Isolation of Open Active Case of TB could help in eliminating TB

 

Is Isolation of Open Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis Cases the Last Mile Strategy to Achieve Tuberculosis Elimination in India?

Tuberculosis (TB), despite extensive global efforts for elimination, continues to pose significant public health challenges, particularly in high-burden countries like India. This review explored the TB cases for a minimum period of 2 weeks as a critical strategy to curb transmission and achieve TB elimination targets. Analysing historical and current epidemiological data, we discussed the burden of TB and its transmission dynamics, emphasising the role of early detection and isolation in halting community spread. Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and associated co-morbidities such as diabetes, undernutrition, and tobacco and alcohol use exacerbate challenges in TB control. We presented isolation policies, modelled on the success of infection control strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic, as pivotal interventions, particularly in managing MDR-TB and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB). Recommendations included targeted use of isolation, enhanced ventilation, respiratory hygiene, and community education to mitigate household and community transmission. The role of community health workers, such as ASHAs and ANMs, is critically examined to ensure their involvement maximises TB care without increasing the risk of transmission. Key strategies include implementing evidence-based harm reduction in crowded settings through maximised natural ventilation and strict respiratory hygiene. Critically, these measures must be integrated into the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) through structural support, such as training community health workers to conduct home assessments, establishing community-based short-stay isolation centers, and making psychosocial support a routine component of care. By integrating robust public health measures with comprehensive psychosocial and financial support, the path toward TB elimination, while challenging, becomes increasingly feasible and equitable.

Keywords: Tuberculosis, isolation, transmission, MDR-TB, infection control, household contacts, disease elimination

https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202585