A heart-wrenching story from Mumbai has shed light on a critical health issue: drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) in infants. Two tiny lives, barely a month old, have become a symbol of resilience and a call to action.
The journey of a Kandivli couple, who welcomed twins after IVF treatment, took an unexpected turn during Diwali. Their joy was overshadowed by the devastating news that their boys had been diagnosed with drug-resistant TB. This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against TB, especially in the vulnerable infant population.
The state-run JJ Hospital’s NICU has become a battleground, admitting multiple infants with drug-resistant TB, including these twins, who may be the youngest in the state to face this challenge. The World Health Organization’s Global TB Report, released recently, highlighted a promising 21% drop in TB incidence in India between 2015 and 2024. However, this story underscores the fact that the fight against TB is far from over, with alarming concerns still prevalent.
Dr. Tanu Singhal, an infectious diseases specialist, recalls the moment one of the twins was diagnosed, barely a few weeks old. “Both are the youngest drug-resistant TB cases I’ve encountered,” she emphasized. Dr. Singhal referred the children to Dr. Sushant Mane, the nodal officer (paediatrics) at the National Centre of Excellence for Tuberculosis in JJ Hospital.
But here’s where it gets controversial: just four months ago, the JJ team treated a three-month-old boy, the first infant in the state to receive a course of newer anti-TB antibiotics, bedaquiline and delamanid. When contacted, Dr. Mane confirmed that both twins, admitted on October 29, have drug-resistant TB. He explained that while one twin showed extensive TB through clinical and X-ray evidence, the other’s tests were inconclusive. Further tests on their cerebrospinal fluid revealed “features of TB meningitis” in both, leading to the initiation of anti-TB medications.
The older twin’s condition worsened, requiring ventilator support. Doctors believe the twins contracted TB from their mother, despite her previous treatment for abdominal TB before undergoing IVF. The father, wishing to protect his family’s identity, shared that subsequent tests showed his wife was clear of TB.
Dr. Mane attributes the rise in infant TB cases to improved diagnostics. “Every year, we diagnose 10 million new TB cases worldwide, with about 10% occurring in paediatric patients under 15 years of age,” Dr. Singhal added.
The twins, born at 2 kg and 1.7 kg, now weigh 3.6 kg and 3 kg, respectively. Their father expressed hope, believing the doctors may discharge them soon as their condition improves. However, the battle isn’t over; they must continue anti-TB medications until they are 18 or 24 months old.
Mumbai records over 60,000 new TB patients annually, with approximately 5,000 facing the daunting drug-resistant variations. This story serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle and the need for continued efforts in TB prevention and treatment.
And this is the part most people miss: the impact of TB extends beyond the individual. It affects families, communities, and the healthcare system as a whole. So, let’s keep the conversation going. What are your thoughts on this critical issue? Do you think enough is being done to combat TB, especially in vulnerable populations like infants? Share your insights and let’s spark a discussion that might just save lives.