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Department of Biotechnology launches ‘Dare2eraD TB’

  • Posted By
    10Pointer
  • Categories
    Science & Technology
  • Published
    28th Mar, 2022

Context

“Dare2eraD TB” initiative was launched by the Department of Biotechnology on the occasion of World TB Day. 

Key-points

  • The initiative Data-Driven Research to Eradicate TB- “Dare2eraD TB” was announced on the occasion of World TB Day (24th March).
  • Dare2eraD TB will be the umbrella TB program comprising of following key initiatives-
    • InTGS - Indian Tuberculosis Genomic Surveillance Consortium.
    • InTBK Hub- Indian TB Knowledge Hub- Webinar Series.
    • Host Directed therapies against TB and developing an evidence-based regimen for treating extra-pulmonary Tuberculosis. 

About Tuberculosis (TB) 

  • Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs.
  • The ‘Mycobacterium tuberculosis’ bacteria that cause TB are spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
  • Most people infected with the bacteria that cause tuberculosis don't have symptoms.
    • When symptoms do occur, they usually include a cough (sometimes blood-tinged), weight loss, night sweats and fever.
  • Treatment isn't always required for those without symptoms. Patients with active symptoms will require a long course of treatment involving multiple antibiotics.

Other initiatives related to Tuberculosis (TB)

  • Regional Prospective Observational Research in Tuberculosis (RePORT) India initiative: 
    • It is a bilateral, multi-organizational, collaborative research effort established in 2013 under the Indo-US Vaccine Action Program (VAP). 
      • It aims to advance tuberculosis (TB) research in India.
  • Department of Biotechnology has initiated a major network programme on “MDR-TB in North East India:
    • A genomic driven approach” involving 22 North East Region (NER) institutes from 8 states and 14 other Institutes.

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