Department of Biotechnology launches ‘Dare2eraD TB’

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.