Articles tagged with Tuberculosis
Researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children have mapped how tuberculosis bacteria fuel themselves during infection. They discovered the protein EtfD, which extracts energy from lipids, and developed a laboratory test to measure its activity. This breakthrough provides new insights into treating TB and may lead to shorter treatment re...
A new study warns that reduced international funding for tuberculosis services could lead to significant economic hardship for 40 million households globally, with the poorest households bearing the greatest burden. The study estimates that complete elimination of external funding for TB could cost families up to $80 billion annually.
Researchers created a cell-free system to study transcription drivers and revealed fundamental features of the transcription cycle in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The method enabled precise design of therapeutics targeting key processes, which could help combat this pathogen.
A modelling study suggests that reduced international donor funding increases the household economic burden of tuberculosis in low- and middle-income countries. The research found that decreased funding leads to a significant rise in healthcare costs and lost productivity.
Researchers introduce 'tuberculogenic environment' concept, highlighting interplay between social structures and TB risk. Current efforts overlook broader structural factors sustaining TB epidemic.
A study by São Paulo State University found that an iron-based compound eliminated lung infection in mice after 30 days of treatment. The researchers developed lipid nanoparticles to improve stability and duration of action, outperforming standard antibiotics in eliminating the bacterial load.
A team of scientists at the University of Sydney has discovered how three naturally occurring antibiotic compounds disrupt the ClpC1–ClpP1P2 complex, a vital protein degradation machine in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This finding uncovers surprising complexity and provides valuable insight into designing more effective anti-TB treatments.
A one- and three-month antibiotic treatment regimens both had few adverse reactions and high rates of completion in preventing active tuberculosis, says a new study published in PLOS Medicine. The regimens were deemed successful and neither proved superior to the other.
A new study found that tuberculosis is a major cause of deadly sepsis among people living with HIV, particularly in Africa. Early treatment of TB has been shown to significantly reduce sepsis deaths, with a 23% reduction in mortality rate.
A sweeping new study has identified tuberculosis as the predominant cause of deadly sepsis among people with HIV in Africa. Immediate treatment for TB significantly increased survival rates, especially when treatment was started before diagnosis.
A team at Texas Biomedical Research Institute found that even with effective treatments for TB and HIV, the immune system remains seriously out-of-whack following treatment. The study suggests that host-directed therapies specifically targeting the immune system could potentially restore lung immune system functionality.
Researchers developed a new method to measure how effectively antibiotics kill bacteria, crucial for treating complex infections. The 'antimicrobial single-cell testing' method predicts treatment success by observing individual bacteria under different conditions.
Researchers discovered how the Lsr2 protein in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) protects against foreign DNA inserted into its genome. This mechanism involves the protein forming condensates that silence specific regions of Mtb DNA, preventing harm to the bacteria.
The new clinical standards for antimicrobial stewardship in tuberculosis care aim to integrate TB into existing AMS frameworks, strengthening surveillance and resistance monitoring. The standards prioritize effectiveness, safety, and resistance prevention, promoting structured expert consultation services and targeted testing.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have created a human 'lung-on-chip' model with genetically identical cells from a single donor, simulating breathing motions and lung disease. The device, built by AlveoliX, holds promise for testing treatments for infections like tuberculosis and delivering personalized medicine.
A recent study found that high doses of rifampicin do not improve survival rates among adults with tuberculous meningitis. The researchers are now exploring alternative treatments targeting inflammation in the brain membranes and investigating TNF inhibitors as potential therapies.
Biostatisticians applied statistical method to existing routine data to understand how TB prevention protocols are functioning in real-world conditions. The results show clear progress and serious gaps in TB preventive treatment uptake among patients initiating antiretroviral therapy.
A reduced pledge by Canada to the Global Fund could lead to decreased success in controlling tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS in the country. The authors of an editorial urge Canada's government to invest in improving social determinants of health and implement disease-specific suggestions to address these pressing global health issues.
A new study demonstrates a one-two punch approach to combatting drug-resistant tuberculosis by pairing rifampicin with AAP-SO2, which exploits the weaknesses of resistant bacteria. The combination effectively kills more bacteria than either drug alone, increasing potency and reducing resistance.
Sorfequiline, in combination with pretomanid and linezolid, showed greater activity against TB than the standard of care, indicating potential to shorten treatment time. The regimen had a comparable safety profile to the standard of care for people with drug-sensitive TB.
Researchers have demonstrated that doxycycline can improve survival rates and neurological outcomes in children with Central Nervous System Tuberculosis. The study found that treating CNS-TB laboratory models with doxycycline alongside standard TB drugs suppressed inflammation, preserved brain tissue, and improved vascular integrity.
Researchers have identified three distinct immunotypes in EPTB patients, revealing new insights into disease mechanisms. Additionally, gene expression-based biomarkers have been developed to reliably diagnose both pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
A new nasally-delivered vaccine has been shown to prevent severe disease and curb bacterial transmission, addressing a global need for next-generation immunisation technologies. The vaccine targets the respiratory mucosa, providing stronger protection against respiratory infections.
Researchers at MIT have identified possible antigens for a new TB vaccine, stimulating a strong immune response in T cells. The study reveals 27 TB peptides that appear most often on infected cell surfaces and elicit a T cell response in at least some samples.
A new study projects that US funding cuts will result in a catastrophic effect on pediatric TB, with children in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia experiencing a significant spike in preventable cases and deaths over the next decade. The loss of US bilateral health aid is projected to result in an additional 2.5 million pediatric T...
The American College of Chest Physicians has designated October 19, 2025, as 'Love Your Lungs Day' in recognition of respiratory health. This initiative aims to raise awareness about lung diseases such as asthma and COPD, promoting equity and supporting healthcare providers.
A new study from Trinity College Dublin finds that dexamethasone can reduce inflammation in TB patients while enhancing the function of their macrophages to kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The research suggests using steroids as an adjunct therapy in conjunction with existing treatments, particularly in cases with excessive inflammation.
Researchers at Tulane University have developed an enhanced CRISPR-based tuberculosis test that works with a simple tongue swab, detecting TB in samples with very low levels of bacteria. The new test shows high sensitivity and accuracy, offering a significant step forward toward effective diagnoses via a variety of samples.
Researchers create peptide hydrogel that controls drug release, improving treatment adherence and efficacy for conditions like tuberculosis and diabetes. The SABER platform uses reversible chemical bonds to slow down drug release, offering a promising solution for precise delivery.
The US funding withdrawal could lead to a significant increase in tuberculosis-related deaths worldwide. According to the modelling study, this could result in approximately 2.2 million more deaths between 2025 and 2030, across high-burden TB countries.
Researchers have developed a novel platform to study human tuberculosis, allowing for accurate modeling of the disease's transmission. The Transmission Simulation System (TSS) mimics the airborne transmission of TB with unparalleled realism, enabling the study of vulnerabilities and strategies to interrupt transmission.
A new study offers a powerful AI-assisted method for uncovering exactly how TB drugs kill the bacteria, which could lead to smarter treatment combinations. The approach uncovers molecular details of drug interactions and can predict their impact from images alone.
A new study reveals benztropine, a Parkinson's treatment, can boost the body's natural immune response to combat tuberculosis (TB) bacteria. The research found that benztropine can dramatically reduce TB bacterial counts in experiments with human and mouse immune cells.
A new skin test reagent using the recombinant ESAT6-CFP10 fusion protein has been developed to overcome limitations of existing tests. The C-TST, a phase III clinical trial, demonstrated high sensitivity (91.2%) and specificity (69.7%) for TB diagnosis in children and adolescents.
A new clinical trial found that a shorter treatment with fewer drugs may be beneficial for some patients with highly drug-resistant tuberculosis, but not all. The trial showed an 87% effective rate for the shorter regimen compared to 89% for the longer therapy.
A genetic study in mice reveals that TB bacteria can survive in vaccinated or previously infected hosts by switching strategies and relying on different genes. The research could lead to the creation of treatments given alongside vaccines to help the immune system root out TB when it tries to hide.
Clinical trials show that sutezolid and delpazolid are safer alternatives to linezolid, with strong antimicrobial activity and fewer side effects. These novel antibiotics have the potential to replace linezolid in TB treatment regimens, particularly for long-term use.
Clinical trials show sutezolid and delpazolid are safer alternatives to linezolid for treating drug-resistant TB, with no cases of nerve damage or blood toxicity reported. The findings suggest these drugs could replace linezolid in treatment regimens.
Researchers at the University of Surrey have identified genes that disrupt the survival of 'zombie' TB cells, which are resistant to antibiotics. By understanding these mechanisms, scientists can develop new drugs that target persisters and shorten treatment regimens.
Researchers at Tulane University developed a handheld TB test inspired by the bombardier beetle's natural defense mechanism. The ASTRA device requires only a drop of blood and delivers same-day diagnoses without need for laboratory or trained staff, outperforming traditional tests in detection of TB with HIV co-infection.
A new study suggests tailoring TB treatment to disease severity could improve patient outcomes and prevent the spread of drug-resistant strains. By identifying patients with less severe forms of TB, treatment courses can be safely shortened, reducing the risk of treatment failure and relapse.
Researchers at IGTP reveal a clear separation between lesional and non-lesional tissue, with high expression of pro-inflammatory genes in lesions. The study identifies 17 differential transcriptomic modules and associates molecular profiles with clinical indicators from the same patients.
A new study found that routine testing for multiple infectious diseases among migrants can identify key infections earlier, improving health outcomes and reducing onward transmission. The Leicester screening programme, which tested 4004 migrant patients, revealed new diagnoses of TB, Hepatitis B and C, and HIV.
Researchers identified specific antibody features that limit Mtb growth, revealing critical insights into antibody-immune cell interactions. The study lays groundwork for potential antibody-based therapies or vaccines against tuberculosis, an urgently needed treatment for the deadly infectious disease.
Researchers mapped TB cases in Africa using a Bayesian geospatial analysis, revealing dramatic differences in disease burden between local regions. The study's findings highlight the importance of targeted health resources and could help reduce tuberculosis deaths by 95% by 2035.
Researchers discovered a DNA switch in TB bacteria that regulates growth and gene expression. By targeting this process, new antibiotics could be developed to make the bacteria easier to eliminate.
Researchers used metabolomics to analyze cerebrospinal fluid samples from tuberculous meningitis patients and found that certain metabolic pathways may contribute to poor outcomes. Three hydroxylated fatty acids with a maximum carbon length of eight were strongly associated with mortality, regardless of HIV status or disease severity.
Researchers developed a nomogram to predict pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), showing strong clinical applications. The model's probabilities were close to actual values, indicating improved early diagnosis and timely intervention.
Researchers have developed a method to label and visualize the glycans in Mycobacterium tuberculosis cells, which may lead to faster and cheaper diagnostic tests for TB. The approach uses an organic molecule that reacts with specific sulfur-containing sugars found in only three bacterial species, including M. tuberculosis.
The EU/EEA is struggling to reach 2030 SDG targets for HIV, TB, viral hepatitis B and C, and STIs, with many countries not on track. Despite progress in some areas, significant data gaps hinder a complete assessment.
The ERA4TB project aims to develop new antibiotics against TB, while TAINT-TB focuses on contrast agents for precise diagnosis. The TCOLF-TC312 project uses humanized mice to study TB and its interactions with the immune system.
A new strategy for tuberculosis (TB) screening could significantly improve detection, allowing for simultaneous screening of both active and dormant infections. This approach has the potential to save lives, curb infection rates, and rewrite the story of TB's continued spread.
Researchers developed a chemical probe to study Mycobacterium tuberculosis outer envelope component mycolic acid, revealing its role in evading immune responses. The probe provides insight into the pathogen's survival mechanisms and may inform new treatment strategies.
Adding an experimental cancer drug to standard TB treatment reduces lung damage and prevents post-TB lung disease in mice. Researchers found that the drug doubled pulmonary apoptosis and reduced lung scarring by 40% compared to standard treatments.
Dr. Sabine Ehrt takes the helm of microbiology and immunology at Weill Cornell Medicine, aiming to build on the department's reputation in tuberculosis research and expand into other areas. She seeks to foster cross-disciplinary collaborations and boost junior faculty mentorship.
Scientists at Scripps Research have imaged the structure of a phage that targets Mycobacteria, revealing a unique genome translocation mechanism and insights into the dynamic process of infection. The study provides new hope for developing effective phage therapies for antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis.
A pioneering study demonstrated that an AI-powered lung ultrasound surpasses human experts by 9% in diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis. The technology leverages deep learning algorithms to interpret lung ultrasound images in real-time, making it more accessible for TB triage, especially for minimally trained healthcare workers.
A new study suggests that food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic in Southern India contributed to increased tuberculosis (TB) mortality. Researchers found that households faced significant financial struggles and made nutritional sacrifices due to lockdowns, leading to worsened health outcomes.
Tulane University scientists developed a handheld device to deliver rapid and accurate tuberculosis diagnoses in under an hour. The device, called the lab-in-tube assay (LIT), can detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA in saliva, blood, and sputum samples, offering a cost-effective tool for improving TB diagnoses in resource-limited areas.
A University of Ottawa-led team examines the punishing costs of TB care, finding that patients face 'catastrophic' expenses despite free treatment being available in many countries. The review identifies areas for intervention to reduce patient costs and improve sustainable TB mitigation strategies.