Write about different types of tuberculosis, modes of infection, symptoms, common diagnostic tests and causes for its prevalence in India.
In short
Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and spread by airborne droplets, occurs in pulmonary, extrapulmonary and drug-resistant forms, with prolonged cough, fever, night sweats and weight loss. It is diagnosed by sputum microscopy, chest X-ray and GeneXpert, and persists in India through poverty, undernutrition and crowding.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 293 words
India carries about1 28% of the global TB burden, with the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme432 (NTEP) and the National Strategic Plan 2020-25 aiming to eradicate TB by 2025.
Institutional Framework and Disease Classification
Tuberculosis Overview → Types of TB → Pulmonary TB → Extrapulmonary TB → Drug-resistant TB → Modes of Infection → Airborne transmission → Close contact in crowded areas → Diagnostic Tests → Sputum microscopy → Chest X-ray → Molecular tests (GeneXpert)
1. NTEP and Surveillance: NTEP provides free diagnostics and treatment, with mandatory case notification via the Nikshay portal enhancing patient management. 2. Types and Transmission: TB manifests as pulmonary, extrapulmonary, MDR-TB, and XDR-TB; airborne transmission occurs through droplets in crowded, poorly ventilated areas.
Symptoms and Tests
Persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss are common; diagnostics include sputum smear microscopy, chest X-rays, and GeneXpert for rapid detection and rifampicin resistance.
Screening and Comorbidities
Active case finding under the National Strategic Plan 2017-2025 and addressing malnutrition and diabetes improve outcomes.
Socioeconomic Factors
Poverty, malnutrition, overcrowding, and co-morbidities like HIV and diabetes increase TB prevalence, especially in vulnerable populations.
Private Sector and Regional Gaps
Over 70% of healthcare is private, often lacking standardized TB care, causing underreporting and treatment gaps, notably in Andhra Pradesh.
COVID-19 Impact and Initiatives
The pandemic disrupted TB services, but the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and Centre’s 100-Day TB Campaign accelerated diagnosis and treatment, detecting lakhs of new patients.
Public-Private Partnerships
Strengthening collaboration with private providers in Andhra Pradesh and nationwide is crucial for improving notification and treatment adherence.
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Question from the official APPSC Group-I Mains 2008 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.