Abstract

*Dr. Vishal Samadhan Dhande, Dr. Jyoti Khadse, Dr. Dilip Nikose, Dr. Manoj Barai, Dr. Amol V. Mankar and Dr. Anita Gopal Ambhore

ABSTRACT

Introduction: In light of the limitations of the current case finding strategies and the global urgency to improve tuberculosis (TB) case-detection, a renewed interest in active case finding (ACF) has risen. The WHO calls for more evidence on innovative ways of TB screening, especially from low-income countries, to inform global guideline development. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of community-based ACF for TB among the rural population of Amravati district and determine its impact on case detection and treatment uptake. Materials and methods: Present study was done during 13- 28 September 2019 by public health department of Government of Maharashtra. Active case finding strategies was applied for early detection and diagnosis of high risk population in Amravati rural area. Among 15 Tuberculosis Units in Amravati district, out of 2150364 target population, 1968617 populations were screened out for tuberculosis. Results: Among the screened population, Number of Presumptive TB Cases Identified was 4733 (0.24%). Out of 4733 presumptive TB cases, total 203 (4.2%) patients were diagnosed as tuberculosis. And all 203 (100%) were put on Antikoch’s treatment. Conclusion: ACF could supplement current strategies to yield additional TB cases, lead to early diagnosis and better treatment.