Finding hidden tuberculosis in South African transmission hotspots using genomics, maps, and models
Targeting TB transmission hotspots to find undiagnosed TB in South Africa: a genomic, geospatial and modeling study (TARGET- TB)
This project uses genetic testing, geographic mapping, and computer models to find people with undiagnosed TB in high-risk South African communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11412264 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be in a South African neighborhood that researchers have mapped and modeled to find places where TB spreads most. They will combine bacterial genome sequencing, GPS-based mapping, and mathematical models to pinpoint transmission hotspots. People in those hotspots may be offered blood RNA screening and sputum tests to detect undiagnosed or subclinical TB and get linked to treatment. The approach focuses screening where it is most likely to find infectious, missed cases rather than testing everyone equally.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living in selected high-TB neighborhoods in South Africa, including household contacts and individuals without symptoms, would be ideal candidates for targeted screening.
Not a fit: People living outside the targeted communities, those already diagnosed and on TB treatment, or those in low-incidence settings are unlikely to benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help find and treat more people with TB earlier and reduce ongoing spread in affected communities.
How similar studies have performed: Prior pilot work shows blood RNA biomarkers and active case finding can detect subclinical TB, but combining genomics, geospatial mapping, and modeling to target screening is a relatively new and promising approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mathema, Barun — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Mathema, Barun
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.