In a recent development, BJ Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital, Pune, have announced they will soon begin ‘targeted’ genome sequencing of 50 tuberculosis (TB) patient samples. The aim is to get a more accurate picture of gene mutations in the bacteria that cause TB. The sequencing will be done using the WHO’s TB genome atlas.
What’s New in the Project
Unlike whole genome sequencing, which examines the entire genetic makeup of the bacteria, this project will focus only on specific gene regions already known to be linked with drug resistance. This targeted sequencing is faster, more cost-effective, and allows labs to study only the part they need. The project is expected to begin within the next 1–2 months, once the kits arrive and funding is finalized.
Why It’s Being Done
India carries the world’s highest TB burden, with nearly 28 lakh new cases and over 3.3 lakh deaths reported in 2022 alone. According to the WHO, two people die every three minutes from TB in India. The country also accounts for nearly 26% of all global drug-resistant TB cases. Since TB has a large genome, pinpointing drug resistance through traditional methods can be slow. Targeted sequencing speeds up the process and improves treatment planning.
Doctors Explain the Impact
In an interview with The Times of India, Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte, Head of the Microbiology Department at the college, said:
“We are now aiming to focus on targeted genome sequencing, for which we will refer to WHO’s genome atlas. With targeted sequencing, we can find the type of mycobacterium and the exact drug resistance. If a particular drug acts on a certain protein and that protein has mutated, it means that the bacteria is resistant to that drug. We have received funding for the same and will soon be able to undertake targeted genome sequencing, maybe in a month or two, once we procure the kits.”
It is very crucial to know whether the patient is suffering from any drug resistance, and if they are, then we need to know from which drug. Based on this information, the drug treatment regime is determined. As of now, we use CBNAAT test to determine drug-resistant TB. With the help of this test, we can know whether it is R-resistant or R-sensitive, or H-resistant or H-sensitive.Dr. Sanjay Gaikwad, Head of the Pulmonology Department at BJ Medical College
CBNAAT (Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) is a rapid molecular test widely used to detect TB and check for resistance to Rifampicin, a key first-line TB drug.
Why It Matters
This move supports the government’s goal to eliminate TB by 2025 under the Dare2eraD (data-driven research to eradicate) TB program. With resistance rates rising, a faster and more accurate method like this can help doctors make better decisions and avoid using the wrong drugs. It may also help ease the burden on public hospitals by improving treatment success early on.
(Input From Various Sources)
(Rehash/Pooja Bansal/MSM)