▶️ By Marcus Low – the post #InTheSpotlight | SA has started a TB revolution – can we see it through? appeared first on ©️ Spotlight.
Summary by Vuka.news:
1. TB Rates in South Africa: TB cases have declined from 500,000 (2005) to 330,000 (2023), but the pace is too slow. South Africa remains a high TB burden country with 427 cases per 100,000 people.
2. HIV and TB Link: HIV compromises immune systems, making people more vulnerable to TB. Rising antiretroviral therapy use since 2008 has helped reduce TB cases by improving immunity. TB diagnoses are hindered by late detection, leading to widespread transmission before treatment. “Earlier identification of people in early stages of TB disease is really critical if we hope to control TB,” says Professor Thomas Scriba.
3. Advances in TB Understanding: TB is no longer just classified as latent or active; an intermediate stage, sub-clinical TB, exists. Sub-clinical TB patients can be infectious without symptoms, complicating control efforts. Early treatment of sub-clinical TB could prevent lung damage and reduce transmission.
4. TB Testing Revolution: Molecular tests now give results in hours versus weeks and are widely used in public healthcare. Portable X-ray machines enable community testing but need follow-up molecular tests. New saliva, stool, and blood-based tests are being developed.
5. Targeted Universal Testing (TUT): TUT tests high-risk groups, like those with HIV or recent TB exposure, even without symptoms. Early results show TUT increases TB detection significantly.
6. Challenges in Sustaining TB Control: TB programs depend heavily on international funding, posing sustainability risks. Political support and public awareness campaigns, akin to those for HIV, are vital.
7. Research and Local Innovation: South African universities are leaders in TB research, focusing on early detection and treatments. Investing in local TB solutions could reduce reliance on international donors. “The outcome is very much still in doubt…TB claimed 56,000 lives in the country last year.”
