Revolutionizing TB Treatment: Groundbreaking Project Unlocks the Power of the NAT2 Gene to Optimize Anti-TB Medication

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that is a public health problem in many countries around the world. Thailand is one of the 30 countries with a high rate of tuberculosis. There are more than 80,000 new and recurrent infections per year and approximately 7,800 deaths per year. Treatment of tuberculosis requires patients to receive continuous medication. To prevent the spread which is a side effect of anti-TB drugs that cause symptoms of hepatitis Some patients have to stop taking the drug. Therefore, the treatment is not effective. Ministry of Public Health Therefore, the innovative technology of the NAT2 diplotype test (Nat2 diplotype) has been used with the aim of detecting the subgene of the anti-TB drug in patients. Provide the treating physician with information to be used to tailor the drugs to each patient. Reduces the incidence of hepatitis from anti-TB drugs, allowing continuous administration of the drug. This is essential to achieve the goal of ending tuberculosis. On the auspicious anniversary of the 6th birthday anniversary of His Majesty the King, the Department of Medical Sciences organized a project to analyze the NAT2 diplotype using Real-time PCR technique for use in regulating the level of the anti-TB drug Isoniazid in 10,000 tuberculosis patients, both tuberculosis patients before receiving the drug and tuberculosis patients who received the drug and developed liver disease. This is to promote Thai people to have a better quality of life.

Dr. Yongyot Thamwut, director general of the Department of Medical Sciences, said that about 5-10 percent of TB patients suffer from hepatitis due to anti-TB drugs. This makes it difficult to treat TB. The NAT2 gene is responsible for the degradation of the anti-TB drug Isoniazid, causing each person to have a different ability to degrade the drug. The risk of hepatitis will be 8.8 times higher than other types, and 40 percent of the Thai population has slow degradation of drugs. Therefore, the NAT2 gene test will help treating doctors make decisions on adjusting the dosage levels of Isoniazid to suit TB patients.

“Department of Medical Sciences We would like to publicize this project to honor His Majesty with the application of genomic innovation. Increase efficiency in research, treatment, control and prevention of tuberculosis in Thailand. Accelerate the end of tuberculosis in every health zone. and make this disease disappear from Thailand Both public and private health service units can send blood samples of tuberculosis patients to be tested for NAT2 diplotype free of charge. at the Institute of Medical Biosciences Department of Medical Sciences and 15 medical science centers nationwide from July 28, 2024 to July 27, 2025. For more details, call. 029510000 ext. 98095 or 98096” Director General of Department of Medical Sciences Concluding remarks.