HeroRATS

March 3, 2025

African giant pouched rats (HeroRATS) have shown success in detecting Tuberculosis (TB )in sputum samples.
About HeroRATS:
- Nocturnal, omnivorous rodents from sub-Saharan Africa.

Role in TB Detection
- Trained to identify TB using their highly sensitive sense of smell.
- Provide faster and more accurate detection than traditional methods.
- Studies in Tanzania show that HeroRATS detect TB cases in children at twice the rate of conventional tests.
TB Status in India
- Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- India accounts for 28% of global TB cases, with 5 lakh deaths annually.
- The National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) aims for TB eradication by 2025.
Potential in India:
- Can serve as a secondary diagnostic tool, especially in high-burden states.
- Experts suggest integrating HeroRATS into NTEP to boost detection and eradication efforts.