Impact of COVID-19 on latent TB reactivation in Kenya
Official title: Impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on reactivation of latent Mtb infections in a Kenyan Cohort
Funded at Mount Kenya University · NIH-11392293 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project in Kenya checks how having had COVID-19 might influence the reactivation of latent tuberculosis in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mount Kenya University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Thika, Kenya) |
| Project start | May 17, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $140,368 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI169534-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11392293 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults in Kenya with latent TB infection, with or without prior SARS-CoV-2 exposure, who can participate at participating health facilities.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without latent TB infection or those unable to participate at the study sites may not receive any direct benefit.
What this research studies
In Nairobi and Kiambu Counties, researchers will enroll adults with latent TB infection who have or have not been exposed to SARS-CoV-2. They will measure immune responses and TB-related markers using standard tests like QuantiFERON-TB Gold, a serological assay, and flow cytometry. The goal is to understand how SARS-CoV-2 exposure could affect anti-TTB immunity and the risk of latent TB becoming active. Findings could reveal mechanisms linking COVID-19 and TB and inform public-health strategies in high-burden settings. This study is grounded in real-world patient populations and leverages existing clinical facilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, results could guide TB control efforts by identifying how COVID-19 vaccination and exposure influence latent TB reactivation risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has started to explore TB and viral coinfections, but this project seeks to define mechanistic links in a high-burden setting with concrete immunological measurements.
Where this research is happening
-
Mount Kenya University
Thika, Kenya Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gitaka, Jesse — Mount Kenya University
- Study coordinator: Gitaka, Jesse
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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.