Genome factor behind very high TB burden among tribal groups in MP

GENETIC science researchers from across the country have zeroed in on genomic factors, which are possibly behind the abnormally high tuberculosis (TB) prevalence among the Sa-hariyas — one of the three particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) in Madhya Pradesh.

- ANURAAG SINGH @Bhopal

With its population largely concentrated in parts of Mad-hhya Pradesh’s Gwalior-Cham-bal region, particularly Sheop-ur, Shivpuri, Guna, Ashoknagar, Gwalior, Morena and Bhind districts, besides some parts of the adjoining Bundelkhand also—the Sahariya tribe reportedly has exceptionally high TB rates of 1,518-3,294 per 1,00,000 population.

It is at least eight times more than the national average of 187 per lakh population.