Finding tuberculosis transmitters in communities with high TB and HIV rates
Official title: Identifying TB transmitters in high TB/HIV burdened communities
Funded at Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation · NIH-10687004 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for people who might be spreading tuberculosis (TB) in areas where both TB and HIV are common, using a special device to safely collect and analyze tiny particles in the air, even from those who don’t have symptoms, to help us better understand how TB spreads and find ways to stop it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cape Town, South Africa) |
| Project start | September 5, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $771,199 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI147347-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10687004 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living in areas with high rates of TB and HIV, particularly those who may be asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in high TB and HIV burdened communities or those who are not at risk for TB transmission may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to identify individuals who are transmitting tuberculosis (TB) in communities heavily affected by both TB and HIV. It utilizes a novel device called the Respiratory Aerosol Sampling Chamber (RASC) to safely capture and analyze airborne particles from individuals, even those who may not show symptoms of TB. By focusing on both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, the study seeks to improve our understanding of TB transmission dynamics and develop effective interventions. The approach is designed to be rapid and scalable, addressing the challenges of detecting live TB bacteria in a safe manner.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better strategies for controlling and preventing the spread of tuberculosis in high-burden communities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using innovative aerosol sampling techniques to study TB transmission, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation
Cape Town, South Africa Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wood, Robin — Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation
- Study coordinator: Wood, Robin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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How stigma and social factors affect TB detection and care
This project looks at how community and personal stigma and other social barriers affect whether people with TB—many living with HIV—get tested, start treatment, and complete care in South Africa.
-
Improving access to sexual health services and PrEP for men
This study is looking for ways to help heterosexual men aged 15-49 in South Africa better access HIV prevention methods, like PrEP, by understanding what makes it easier or harder for them to get the care they need.
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.