“Stop TB before it starts.”
Key Questions Answered
Q1. What is TB Preventive Treatment (TPT)?
Answer: TB Preventive Treatment (TPT) is treatment given to eligible individuals who are infected with TB bacteria but do not have active TB disease. Its purpose is to prevent latent TB infection from progressing to active TB, thereby protecting both the individual and the community.
Q2. Why is TPT important?
Answer: Globally, about one-quarter of the population is estimated to be infected with TB bacteria. Although only 5–10% of infected individuals develop active TB during their lifetime, the risk is much higher in young children, people living with HIV, and other high-risk groups. TPT significantly reduces this risk.
Q3. Who should be considered for TPT?
Answer: As per National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) recommendations, TPT is advised for eligible high-risk individuals, including:
Household contacts of infectious TB patients,
Children below 5 years exposed to TB,
People living with HIV,
Other eligible high-risk individuals after medical evaluation.
Q4. Can anyone start TPT on their own?
Answer: No. TPT should never be taken without medical advice. Before starting treatment, a doctor must carefully evaluate the individual and rule out active TB disease. Self-medication is unsafe and should be avoided.
Q5. How do doctors ensure that a person does not have active TB before starting TPT?
Answer: Doctors assess symptoms, perform a clinical examination, and may advise investigations such as a chest X-ray, CBNAAT, Truenat, or other appropriate tests whenever required. TPT is started only after active TB has been reasonably excluded.
Q6. Is TPT the same as treatment for active TB?
Answer: No. Active TB disease requires a full course of multidrug anti-TB treatment. TPT, on the other hand, is preventive treatment given to eligible individuals before TB disease develops.
Q7. Can TPT help India eliminate TB?
Answer: Yes. Along with early diagnosis, prompt treatment of TB patients, good nutrition, infection control, and tobacco cessation, TPT is one of the key pillars of the National TB Elimination Programme. Preventing TB among high-risk groups reduces future disease and transmission.
Dr S K Arora’s Take-Home Message :
“Preventing TB is as important as treating TB. If you or a family member has been in close contact with a TB patient, consult your doctor to find out whether TB Preventive Treatment is appropriate. Timely prevention today can stop TB before it starts tomorrow.”
Early evaluation, proper medical guidance, and completion of the prescribed preventive treatment can save lives and strengthen India’s journey towards a TB-Mukt Bharat.
“Stop TB before it starts.”
End Tobacco → End TB → Save Lives
Dr S K Arora
WHO Awardee | Senior Chest Specialist | TB Expert | Tobacco Control Advocate
