Under NTEP, which of the following groups of presumptive pulmonary TB patients is eligible for an upfront NAAT (CBNAAT or Truenat) as the initial diagnostic test, bypassing sputum smear microscopy?
- A A person living with HIV presenting with cough of any duration ✓
- B A 40-year-old male farmer with cough of 2 weeks and no other risk factor
- C A 30-year-old asymptomatic adult screened during a house-to-house survey
- D A 45-year-old smoker with cough who has completed a full course of antibiotics
Correct answer: A. A person living with HIV presenting with cough of any duration
Explanation
NTEP mandates upfront molecular testing (NAAT) for key populations because smear microscopy has poor sensitivity in these groups. People living with HIV qualify for NAAT irrespective of symptom duration. Option B would receive smear microscopy first with reflex NAAT if positive or high suspicion. Option C has no symptoms so does not meet presumptive TB criteria. Option D needs evaluation but is not a designated key population warranting automatic upfront NAAT.
Reference: Guidelines for Programmatic Management of Drug-resistant TB in India, NTEP, 2021 ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.