People Aged 25-55 in Himachal Prone to Intestinal Tuberculosis, IGMC Research Reveals

Shimla, November 6: Recent research from the Gastroenterology Department of Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC) has revealed that people aged 25 to 55 in Himachal Pradesh are increasingly affected by intestinal tuberculosis (TB). The study found that due to a lack of early symptoms and diagnosis, patients experienced symptoms of the disease for six months to two years before being diagnosed.

Led by Dr. Brij Sharma, along with Associate Professors Dr. Rajesh Sharma and Dr. Vishal Bodh, and Assistant Professors Dr. Vineet Sharma and Dr. Neetu Sharma, the IGMC team conducted a survey on 234 patients referred from across the state. Among the cases, 151 male (64.5%) and 83 female patients (35.5%) were found to have Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in the intestines.

The study reported that the majority of patients visited the hospital with symptoms of weight loss and abdominal pain. Further tests such as CT scans, endoscopy, and colonoscopy revealed intestinal ulcers, lesions, and narrowing in the intestines. After around six months of treatment, most patients recovered fully. This research has recently been published in the ‘Journal of the Association of Physicians of India’.

Dr. Brij Sharma and Dr. Vishal Bodh emphasized the importance of awareness in early diagnosis. They noted that, with timely medical intervention and necessary tests, doctors can detect the disease early. The infection is not contagious and, with regular check-ups and TB medication, 95% of patients recover fully.