Uzbekistan introduces molecular genetic testing methods to fight tuberculosis
20/02/2020 22:30
Uzbekistan introduces molecular genetic testing methods to fight tuberculosis
20/02/2020 22:30
Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) - Uzbekistan has begun introducing molecular genetic testing methods using the latest Xpert MTB / Rif Ultra and HAIN LPA equipment, which quickly and accurately diagnose tuberculosis with resistant forms (DR-TB). Previously, it took 3 months, and it was especially difficult to diagnose tuberculosis in children. “A project to improve the prevention, detection and treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis in Central Asia” is being implemented by WHO and USAID with the support of the Uzbek government.
According to the WHO global report on tuberculosis for 2019, Uzbekistan is among the countries with a high burden of tuberculosis with DR-TB. DR-TB does not respond to standard and effective anti-TB drugs. However, tuberculosis and DR-TB are treated and cured. According to WHO forecasts, following the “Strategy for the Elimination of Tuberculosis”, the disease can be eradicated globally in the next 15 years. One of the main components of this strategy, along with prevention and treatment, is the timely diagnosis of tuberculosis and DR-TB.
“WHO first recommended the use of the Xpert MTB / RIF® rapid test in 2010, promoting its widespread use as an initial diagnostic test for all people with signs and symptoms of tuberculosis, including children,” says Zukhriddin Nuritdinov, National Reference Laboratory Assistant Laboratories (NRL). - This is the only yet widely available test that helps to quickly detect both tuberculosis itself and the resistance of the disease to rifampicin, the most important anti-tuberculosis drug. Previously, traditional labor-intensive methods were used to determine the DR-TB pathogen and it took about 3 months to get the result. Now, since the end of 2019, when we started using the Xpert MTB / Rif Ultra test in the laboratory diagnosis of tuberculosis, we manage to detect MDR-TB in just 77 minutes. This allows you to prescribe the right treatment in a timely manner.”
In December 2019, WHO and USAID conducted training for NRL specialists on the diagnosis of tuberculosis using the drug susceptibility test (DST) and other rapid tests according to the latest WHO recommendations. The training was conducted by the WHO consultant for laboratory diagnosis of tuberculosis Dr. Andrei Slyzkyi, who visited Uzbekistan with a mission to provide technical assistance to the TB service as part of a joint project between WHO and USAID.
WHO expert Andrei Slizky also provided technical support for the installation and launch of new equipment for the rapid diagnosis of DR-TB in the laboratory of the Tashkent city center of TB and pulmonology.
“WHO estimates that 54 million lives were saved between 2000 and 2017 through timely diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis,” said Jamshid Gadoyev, head of the WHO’s HIV, hepatitis and tuberculosis department. - Rapid detection of DR-TB allows you to determine the appropriate treatment tactics using appropriate anti-TB drugs (PTP), start a treatment course in a timely manner, prevent mortality and further transmission of the infection to others. Given the complexities in the logistics system and smear management, the period for determining sensitivity to PTP sometimes increased from 3 to 5 months. Equipment The HAIN LPA genotype demonstrates high responsiveness, determining sensitivity to anti-TB drugs in 2-7 days.”
In the framework of the project to eliminate tuberculosis in Uzbekistan, a new National Strategic Laboratory Plan (NSLP) was drafted with the assistance of a WHO international consultant and with the participation of national and international partners for the introduction of tuberculosis in Uzbekistan. The strategic action plan covers all areas for the effective development of the laboratory network for the next 5 years.
“Tuberculosis can be cured with a six-month course of antibiotics, and the World Health Organization is introducing new drugs and a shorter, less expensive treatment regimen for the treatment of DR-TB,” emphasizes Zafar Fayziev, specialist of the WHO department for the fight against HIV, hepatitis and tuberculosis. - The shortened scheme is not only cheaper than the standard ones currently used, but also better according to the treatment results. This was made possible thanks to timely diagnosis of DR-TB and the right selection of anti-TB drugs.”
The WHO TB eradication strategy, adopted by the World Health Assembly in May 2014, is a concept that allows countries to end the tuberculosis epidemic by reducing tuberculosis incidence and mortality, and significantly reducing catastrophic costs.
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