Kerala Govt. introduces Cy-TB test

Kerala’s state health authorities have introduced a new intradermal test called Cy-TB for detecting and treating tuberculosis (TB) infection. This initiative follows the prioritization of latent TB infection treatment under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).

Key Details about Cy-TB Test:

• Type of Test: Cy-TB is a third-generation intradermal skin test.
• Approval: It has been approved by the Central TB Division.
• Characteristics: It is described as a highly specific, accurate, and user-friendly skin test.
• Procedure: In the test, a 0.1 ml dose of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific antigens (specifically ESAT-6 and CFP-10) are injected into the skin in the inner forearm.

Understanding TB Infection vs. Active TB Disease:

• TB Infection:
  • A person with TB infection harbors the organism causing TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) in their body.
  • This is typically acquired through contact with someone who has active TB disease.
  • However, the organism remains dormant or inactive in the body.
  • The infected person neither shows any TB symptoms nor is contagious.
• Active TB Disease:
  • In contrast to infection, active TB disease means the bacteria are multiplying and causing symptoms, making the person ill and potentially contagious.

(Source: The Hindu)