Molecular Tests Prove Crucial for Detecting Drug‑Resistant Skin TB, Experts Say

Diagnosing drug‑resistant cutaneous tuberculosis presents a unique challenge because bacterial loads on skin lesions are typically low, making conventional culture techniques less reliable. Researchers at KGMU’s Centre of Excellence for Drug‑Resistant TB emphasised that modern molecular assays, such as CBNAAT and whole‑genome sequencing, deliver faster and more accurate detection of resistance patterns.

Professor Surya Kant, the centre’s director, warned that treating skin TB as a purely dermatological condition without assessing drug susceptibility can lead to therapeutic failure and disease spread to vital organs like the lungs and brain. Comprehensive testing—including histopathology, gene‑expert analysis, culture and DST—is essential to determine the exact resistance profile and tailor therapy accordingly.

The study advocates for routine molecular screening of all cutaneous TB patients, noting that early identification of resistant strains accelerates appropriate treatment and curtails transmission within the community.