Tracking resistance to new TB drugs (bedaquiline, pretomanid, linezolid) in South Africa
Emergence of bedaquiline, pretomanid and linezolid resistance after implementation of new drug-resistant tuberculosis regimens in South Africa
Researchers are tracking whether TB germs in South Africa are becoming resistant to the new medicines bedaquiline, pretomanid, and linezolid as these drugs are used more widely.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11222670 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you or someone in your community has drug-resistant TB, this project will collect TB samples and clinical information as the new all-oral regimens are rolled out across South Africa. The team will sequence the bacteria's DNA to find mutations linked to resistance to bedaquiline, pretomanid, and linezolid and compare strains to see if resistant bacteria are spreading between people. They will follow cases over time to see whether resistance appears during treatment or through transmission, and combine lab and population data to map resistance patterns. The goal is to inform treatment choices and public-health actions to limit spread of resistant TB.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People in South Africa with confirmed drug-resistant TB, especially those starting or treated with bedaquiline, pretomanid, or linezolid, would be the best candidates to contribute samples and clinical data.
Not a fit: People without drug-resistant TB or those living outside the study regions in South Africa would not directly participate or receive immediate benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could help doctors pick effective TB medicines faster and reduce spread of drug-resistant TB.
How similar studies have performed: Genomic surveillance and monitoring have successfully tracked resistance for older TB drugs, but systematic tracking of resistance to these newer medications is newer and less established.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mathema, Barun — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Mathema, Barun
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.