Source: TH
Context: The Department of Biotechnology has completed sequencing 10,000 TB genome samples under the Dare2eraD TB initiative.
About Dare2eraD TB Initiative:
- What it is
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- Data-Driven Research to Eradicate TB (Dare2eraD TB) is a flagship program using genome sequencing to tackle drug-resistant tuberculosis in India.
- Launched in: Launched on World TB Day, March 24, 2022.
- Ministries/Organizations involved:
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- Led by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under Ministry of Science & Technology, in collaboration with ICMR and CSIR, along with the Indian Tuberculosis Genomic Surveillance Consortium (InTGS).
- Aims of the Initiative:
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- Conduct whole genome sequencing (WGS) of 32,200 TB strains from active TB cases.
- Establish a biorepository of clinical Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains.
- Map genetic diversity and correlate with treatment outcomes.
- Study household transmission dynamics and community-level spread.
- Provide data-driven public health recommendations.
- Key Features:
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- Multi-laboratory network collaboration with RePORT India Consortium and National TB Elimination Program.
- Sequencing and analysis at top institutes: ICGEB (Delhi), CCMB (Hyderabad), NIBMG (Kalyani), NIRT (Chennai), and analysis at NII (Delhi).
- Data storage at the Indian Biological Data Centre (RCB, Faridabad).
- Genome data integrated with epidemiological findings for actionable interventions.
- Achievements So Far:
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- 10,000 genome samples sequenced by March 2025 (1/3rd target).
- 7% samples found resistant to single-drug therapy.
