Investigating a new method to detect tuberculosis bacteria that traditional tests might miss.
Official title: Differentially Culturable Tubercle Bacteria: The missing link in TB Transmission?
Funded at Wits Health Consortium (Pty), LTD · NIH-10688273 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new ways to find tuberculosis bacteria in patients, even in those who might not show symptoms, by testing their sputum samples with a special method that could help us understand how TB spreads better and improve health responses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wits Health Consortium (Pty), LTD NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Parktown, South Africa) |
| Project start | September 1, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $844,062 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI147349-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10688273 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with tuberculosis, especially those with atypical presentations or negative sputum cultures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not diagnosed with tuberculosis or those who do not provide sputum samples may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the detection of tuberculosis (TB) bacteria by exploring differentially culturable tubercle bacilli (DCTB) that are not identified through standard culture methods. The study aims to analyze sputum samples using a novel approach that includes liquid media supplemented with culture filtrate, which may reveal more bacterial strains and genotypes. By doing so, the research seeks to establish more accurate transmission links among TB patients, including those who may not show symptoms or have negative sputum cultures. This could lead to a better understanding of TB transmission dynamics and improve public health responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective TB transmission detection and control, ultimately reducing the spread of the disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that alternative culture methods can yield additional insights into bacterial populations, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Wits Health Consortium (Pty), LTD
Parktown, South Africa Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kana, Bavesh Davandra — Wits Health Consortium (Pty), LTD
- Study coordinator: Kana, Bavesh Davandra
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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.