Every year, March 24 is World Tuberculosis Day. The year 2026 marks the 31st observance, with the core theme: Full action, full commitment, full participation – End TB.

Many people think tuberculosis is far removed from daily life, and dismiss an occasional cough as just a common cold. In reality, tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection remains a major global public health issue. China bears a relatively high burden of drug resistant tuberculosis. The disease is characterized by high prevalence, high drug resistance rates, and strong insidiousness. Delayed diagnosis and treatment not only seriously harm the patient’s own health but may also affect others through respiratory transmission.

In addition to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, there is another easily overlooked pathogen in clinical practice – non tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). These belong to the same genus Mycobacterium but are not M. tuberculosis. Their clinical manifestations are quite similar to those of tuberculosis, and routine testing cannot easily distinguish them, leading to misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis, thereby delaying optimal treatment timing. Moreover, the infection rate of NTM has been gradually increasing in recent years.

Be Alert to These "Small Signals" of TB and NTM Infection

The insidious nature of both tuberculosis and non tuberculous mycobacterial disease lies in their high concealment. Early symptoms are almost indistinguishable from common respiratory illnesses and are easily overlooked. Pay special attention to the following signals:

• Prolonged mild cough, sputum production lasting more than 2 weeks without improvement
• Unexplained low grade fever in the afternoon, night sweats
• Persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss
• People with pre existing lung disease or weakened immunity

Drug Resistant TB and NTM Coinfection: A Dual Clinical Challenge

In the global journey to end the tuberculosis epidemic, drug resistance and coinfection have become two major "reefs" obstructing clinical cure. According to the WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2025, among new multidrug resistant / rifampicin resistant TB patients in 2024, the resistance rate was 3.2% in previously untreated patients and as high as 16% in retreatment patients. China accounts for approximately 7.1% of the world’s drug resistant TB patients, ranking second globally, with a persistently heavy drug resistance burden.

Even more challenging is that coinfection with TB and non tuberculous mycobacteria is becoming increasingly common. Data show that the isolation rate of NTM among patients with suspected TB has risen from less than 5% to over 11%. Patients with TBNTM coinfection experience more complex pulmonary symptoms, poorer treatment responses, limited efficacy from conventional regimens, and a significantly higher risk of treatment failure.

More than 200 NTM species have been identified, among which over 150 – including Mycobacterium intracellulare, Mycobacterium abscessus, etc. – have been found in clinical samples. Drug susceptibility varies markedly among different species. Relying solely on empirical medication or failing to perform precise species identification can easily lead to prolonged disease course and difficulty in achieving cure.

To address these clinical pain points, YunKang focuses on respiratory health and introduces its Panoramic Targeted NextGeneration Sequencing (tNGS) for Mycobacteria service, using precision technology to build a robust defense line for respiratory health.

YunKang Panoramic Targeted Next Generation Sequencing (tNGS) for Mycobacteria

YunKang Precision Medicine Center has integrated ultramultiplex PCR amplification with high throughput sequencing technology to innovatively develop the "Panoramic Targeted Next Generation Sequencing (tNGS) for Mycobacteria" service.

This product comprehensively detects 9 species and variants of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, 183 species or subspecies of non tuberculous mycobacteria, 48 coinfection / differential diagnosis related pathogens, and covers 38 drug resistance genes (with over 3,000 mutation sites) for first  and second line anti TB drugs as well as NTM related drugs.

Through bioinformatics analysis, it identifies pathogens and drug resistance gene mutations in samples, assisting clinicians in etiological diagnosis and formulation of individualized precision treatment plans, thus achieving accurate detection of mycobacteria and their resistance genes.

• Comprehensive screening
  One stop coverage of M. tuberculosis, non tuberculous mycobacteria, and related coinfections, coupled with detection of TB drug resistance sites, ensuring no etiological clue is missed.

• Accurate results
  Effectively eliminates misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis, providing clear and reliable scientific evidence for clinical management and personal health management.

• Convenient process
  Various common specimens – such as sputum, throat swabs, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid – can be tested. Rapid reporting after laboratory receipt, no long waiting time.

• Target population
  1. Patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis
  2. Patients with suspected tuberculous pleurisy
  3. Patients with smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis or suspected extrapulmonary tuberculosis
  4. Retreatment tuberculosis patients
  5. Patients with suspected NTM disease
  6. Patients with suspected multidrug resistant tuberculosis

Making Health Protection Accessible to All

Ending tuberculosis lies in every act of vigilance and every early screening. Heeding the body’s small signals, actively learning about TB prevention and treatment, and choosing precise and reliable diagnostic and therapeutic approaches – this is being responsible for yourself and for your family.

This March 24,
YunKang stands with you,
protecting every smooth breath!