Indian researchers have made a significant breakthrough by successfully completing the genome sequencing of 10,000 Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) isolates. This advancement has the potential to revolutionize TB diagnosis and treatment. As tuberculosis (TB) remains one of India’s most critical public health concerns, the country continues to bear the highest global burden of TB cases. While the government aims to eradicate TB by 2025—five years ahead of the global target set by the World Health Organisation (WHO)—challenges such as drug-resistant strains and delayed diagnosis persist.
On the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day, Indian scientists achieved a milestone by sequencing the genomes of 10,000 MTB isolates. These isolates, which are bacterial samples collected from TB patients, help researchers analyze drug resistance patterns and treatment effectiveness.
Understanding Tuberculosis and Drug Resistance
Tuberculosis, a disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other organs. It spreads through airborne particles released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Although TB is treatable with antibiotics, the emergence of drug-resistant strains has made treatment more complex. Drug-resistant TB occurs when genetic mutations make the bacteria resistant to conventional medications, thereby complicating treatment and increasing transmission risks. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as culture-based drug susceptibility testing, require weeks to yield results, leading to treatment delays and prolonged disease spread.
Genome Sequencing: A Transformative Approach to TB Diagnosis
To address the growing threat of drug-resistant TB, India launched the Dare2eraD TB initiative on March 24, 2022. As part of this initiative, the Indian Tuberculosis Genomic Surveillance (InTGS) Consortium—comprising the Department of Biotechnology, the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)—aims to sequence over 32,000 TB isolates across the country. So far, scientists have successfully sequenced 10,000 of these isolates.
Genome sequencing is an advanced technique that deciphers the entire genetic structure of bacteria. By examining the DNA of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, researchers can identify mutations that confer drug resistance. This allows for faster and more precise diagnosis, enabling healthcare providers to determine the most effective antibiotic treatment for each patient.
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, emphasized the significance of this development, stating, “This data will drive the creation of next-generation genomic tests, facilitating quicker and more accurate detection of drug-resistant TB strains. Unlike conventional methods that take weeks, genome sequencing can provide resistance profiles in just hours or days.”
The Importance of Genome Sequencing in TB Control
The conventional approach to diagnosing drug-resistant TB involves lengthy testing procedures that delay treatment. Genome sequencing, on the other hand, accelerates the identification of resistance mutations, allowing timely administration of appropriate medications.
TB strains vary in their drug susceptibility, and genome sequencing enables personalized treatment based on a patient’s specific bacterial strain. This enhances treatment success rates while reducing the risk of relapse.
Moreover, understanding regional variations in TB bacterial mutations can help public health officials implement targeted strategies to curb transmission and new infections.
Early identification and intervention for drug-resistant TB will play a crucial role in preventing further spread and bringing India closer to its goal of TB eradication.
Challenges in Implementing Genome Sequencing
Despite its potential, genome sequencing faces hurdles in widespread adoption. High costs and limited accessibility remain significant barriers. Dr. Jitendra Singh acknowledged these challenges, noting that while phenotypic drug-susceptibility testing and M. tuberculosis culture remain gold standards for diagnosis, genome sequencing is emerging as a powerful tool for strain identification and drug resistance assessment. However, disparities in access to molecular diagnostic techniques persist across different socioeconomic groups and regions.
Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology, stressed the need for large-scale implementation. “The insights obtained from sequencing 10,000 TB isolates must now be translated into practical applications for TB diagnosis and drug resistance surveillance in all healthcare settings,” he stated.
In India’s ongoing fight against tuberculosis, leveraging genome sequencing technology could mark a turning point in the country’s journey toward TB elimination. By integrating these advancements into routine healthcare practices, India can accelerate progress in controlling and eventually eradicating TB.
