Context:
- A study has identified chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA), a life-threatening fungal infection, among post-TB survivors in Assam’s tea plantations.
- Published in the journal PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, it is the first of its kind focusing on tea workers.
Relevance : GS 2(Health )
TB Prevalence in Assam Tea Belts:
- Major public health issue in the Brahmaputra and Barak valleys.
- TB prevalence: 217 per 1,00,000 population (2019-2021 National TB Prevalence Survey).
- Risk factors include:
- Poverty, malnutrition, and kitchen smoke.
- Close contact with TB patients and congested living conditions.
Key Findings of the Study:
- Researchers examined 128 patients from tea garden hospitals in Dibrugarh district.
- Prevalence of CPA recorded at 17.18%.
- Seropositivity:
- 18.5% in active TB cases.
- 48.9% in post-TB patients, highlighting its status as a post-TB health issue.
- Seropositivity:
- CPA is more prevalent in middle-aged male workers (80 males vs. 48 females).
- Assam’s CPA prevalence (60 per 1,00,000) exceeds the global average of 42, surpassing African countries like Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (20-50).
Implications for Public Health:
- CPA occurs in pre-existing lung cavities, sharing clinical features with TB, complicating diagnosis.
- Suggested measures include:
- Testing for Aspergillus antibodies in patients with respiratory symptoms post-TB treatment.
- Early diagnosis and treatment to reduce morbidity and mortality.
Recommended Interventions:
- Training healthcare providers to recognize CPA symptoms.
- Educating tea workers about:
- Respiratory health, nutrition, and hygiene.
- Targeted campaigns in tea garden hospitals and TB care facilities.
Related Context:
- A 2019 study on epidemic dropsy in Assam highlighted nutritional health risks.
- Dropsy results from consuming oils contaminated with Argemone mexicana (a Mexican poppy).
