Investigating how antibiotics affect the microbiome in drug-resistant tuberculosis patients

Longitudinal microbiome-host interactions and clinical outcomes in drug-resistant tuberculosis patients

NIH-funded research Stellenbosch University · NIH-10865102

This study is looking at how the bacteria in your body might change when you start taking antibiotics for drug-resistant tuberculosis, and it’s for adults and teens who are beginning this treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStellenbosch University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stellenbosch, SOUTH AFRICA)
Project IDNIH-10865102 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the interactions between the human microbiome and drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) in patients undergoing treatment. By analyzing sputum and stool samples from 260 adults and adolescents starting a new antibiotic regimen, the study aims to characterize changes in the microbiome over time. The research will utilize advanced 16S rRNA gene sequencing techniques to track these changes and correlate them with clinical outcomes. This approach seeks to uncover how antibiotics impact the microbiome and potentially influence TB treatment effectiveness.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults and adolescents aged 15 years and older who are starting treatment for rifampicin-resistant or multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

Not a fit: Patients who are not infected with drug-resistant tuberculosis or those who are not starting the specific antibiotic regimen being studied may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for drug-resistant tuberculosis by optimizing antibiotic use based on microbiome health.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding microbiome interactions can significantly impact treatment outcomes in various conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Stellenbosch, SOUTH AFRICA

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.