UNS — Professor of the Faculty of Medicine (FK) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, Prof. Dr. dr. Reviono, Sp.P(K) with Dr. dr. Bobby Singh, Sp.P., M.Kes., FISR, FAPSR launched the book ‘Sitokin dan Kemokin: Biomarker Tuberkulosis Laten’ (Cytokines and Chemokines: Biomarkers of Latent Tuberculosis). The book launch took place at UNS Inn, Sunday (19/3/2023),
There were also several important figures: the former Director General of the Ministry of Health, Prof. Dr. dr. Tjandra Yoga Aditama, Sp.P(K); Chairman of the Central Board of PDPI, Prof. Dr. dr. Agus Dwi Susanto, Sp.P(K); Head of the Ministry of Health’s Tuberculosis (TB) Working Team, dr. Tiffany Tiara Pakasi; Representative of the Indonesian Tuberculosis Eradication Association: dr. Lily Sri Wahyuni Sulistyowati; and the Indonesian Medical Council, dr. Vonny Nouva Tubasgu, Sp.Rad(K).
Prof. Reviono, who is also the Dean of FK UNS, said that this was a form of product from the UNS Doctoral Program in Medical Sciences UNS.
“This book contains latent tuberculosis as part of the elimination of tuberculosis in Indonesia in 2035. The target is to stay 10% or experience a 90% reduction in TB sufferers since 2015 and the death rate will also be reduced by 95%,” he explained during a press conference.
Furthermore, he explained that the incidence of TB begins with the entry of TB pathogenic germs. In most hosts it will respond adequately by the host immune system, limiting bacterial growth, and preventing infection. Not everyone who is exposed to TB pathogens will develop TB disease.
“About 30% of people exposed to TB germs will be infected with TB, while 70% are not infected. Patients infected with TB, about 5%, will develop active TB within the first 1 year of infection and 95% will have latent TB infection. After 1 year, about 3-5% of patients with latent TB will develop active TB and the rest will continue to have latent TB throughout life,” he added.
Dr. dr. Bobby Singh said that with these findings and novelty, hopefully this will become an effort to eradicate TB cases in Indonesia.
“Through these cytokines and chemokines, hopefully those that have been making tests are expensive, we expect it will be cheaper and more effective,” he said.
Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. dr. Tjandra Yoga Aditama said that latent TB is a condition when people who are not sick or have no symptoms, but have TB germs in their bodies. This is one of the things that make TB difficult to eliminate. He also appreciated the new findings of FK UNS to diagnose latent TB.
Appreciation also came from Prof. Dr. dr. Agus Dwi Susanto as Chairman of the Central Board of the Indonesian Pulmonary Doctors Association (PDPI).
“I feel proud of the findings of FK UNS friends. Actually, TB has been a problem in Indonesia for a long time, therefore the role of pulmonary doctors is also needed. One of them is by launching a book which is expected to help in handling TB in Indonesia,” he said.
dr. Tiffany Tiara Pakasi also explained the three major problems faced by Indonesia in fighting TB cases. First, Indonesia is currently ranked 2nd in the world based on the estimated number of TB cases in the world.
“Second, taking TB medication takes a long time and is consistent. Sometimes, patients in the middle of treatment feel well so they don’t continue taking medication. This is what we need to remind the public to finish treatment. We also still have a problem of latent TB infection which if it is not resolved immediately it can become active TB and will continue to run into a vicious circle,” he explained.
dr. Lily Sri Wahyuni Sulistyowati also said that latent TB could be a factor in transmission. She hopes that through these findings, it can reduce the number of TB cases in Indonesia.
Furthermore, the Indonesian Medical Council, dr. Vonny Nouva Tubasgu, Sp.Rad(K) explained that science and technology are growing, including medical science.
“I welcome this latent TB biomarker. I hope that this examination can be more accurate, sensitive, and can be used to reach the wider community. Hopefully if the coverage is wide, it can be more significant in reducing TB transmission in Indonesia,” dr. Vonny explained. Humas UNS
Reporter: Bayu Aji Prasetya
Editor: Dwi Hastuti
Translator: Mifta Muriska Isya