Hidden drug resistance and tolerance in recurring TB lung lesions
Undetected Drug resistance and Tolerance in lesions of recurrent TB
['FUNDING_R01'] · SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11159680
Researchers are looking at TB bacteria taken from lung lesions removed during surgery to find hidden drug resistance and persistent bacteria that standard tests miss.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN DIEGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11159680 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From the patient's perspective, surgeons collect lung lesion tissue during clinically indicated surgery and researchers examine the TB bacteria directly from those infected sites. They sequence the bacteria's genomes and epigenomes, compare strains found in lesions versus sputum, and search for subpopulations that tolerate drugs. The team will also study whether TB drugs reach bacteria inside lesions at effective levels to explain treatment failure. Results will be organized into a knowledgebase to help guide better tests, treatments, and vaccine design.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with recurrent or treatment-resistant pulmonary TB who are undergoing surgical removal of lung lesions as part of their clinical care.
Not a fit: People with uncomplicated, newly diagnosed TB who respond to standard drug therapy and do not require surgery are unlikely to be part of or directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more sensitive tests and better treatments that find and clear hidden or drug-tolerant TB bacteria, reducing relapse and improving cure rates.
How similar studies have performed: While genome sequencing of sputum has helped detect resistance before, directly profiling bacteria from lung lesions with combined genomic and epigenomic methods is relatively new and less proven.
Where this research is happening
SAN DIEGO, UNITED STATES
- SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY — SAN DIEGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: VALAFAR, FARAMARZ — SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: VALAFAR, FARAMARZ
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.