Understanding brain injury in kids with tuberculous meningitis (iThemba)

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This project will enroll up to 80 children with probable or confirmed TB meningitis over 30 months, collecting blood and CSF samples and performing MRI and FDG PET/CT at baseline and after 2 weeks. Researchers will explore how endothelial and inflammatory processes contribute to brain infarction and disability in TBM, using proteomics, transcriptomics, and radiology to build a comprehensive picture. Participation involves imaging, fluid sampling, and follow-up assessments, with careful monitoring and supportive care provided through the study. The team has extensive expertise in pediatric TBM, neuroimaging, and data analysis to translate findings into better understanding and future therapies.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Stellenbosch University
  Stellenbosch, South Africa Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Seddon, James Alexander — Stellenbosch University
• Study coordinator: Seddon, James Alexander

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Personalized Immunomodulatory Therapy for HIV-related Cryptococcal Meningitis

  A patient-focused study investigates a personalized treatment approach to improve outcomes for people with HIV who develop cryptococcal meningitis.

  NIH research University of Minnesota · Minneapolis, United States · NIH-11615077

• Improving Diagnostics and Neurocognitive Outcomes in HIV/AIDS-related Meningitis

  A study in Uganda aims to use faster, better tests and a new antifungal to help people with HIV who develop meningitis.

  NIH research University of Minnesota · Minneapolis, United States · NIH-11539368

• TB meningitis diagnostic test compare and cost study in sub-Saharan Africa

  Researchers are testing a new CSF urine-based test (SILVAMP TB LAM) to improve diagnosis of TB meningitis in people with HIV, to help speed treatment and reduce death in Sub-Saharan Africa.

  NIH research University of Minnesota · Minneapolis, United States · NIH-11536232

• Minimally Invasive Sampling to Improve HIV-Associated M meningitis Diagnosis in Africa

  A research study is testing easier, less invasive ways to diagnose meningitis in people living with HIV, with a focus on making diagnosis faster and more accurate in Africa and the US.

  NIH research Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · Boston, United States · NIH-11516017

• Serological clues to survival in HIV-related cryptococcal meningitis

  This grant looks for antibody signals in the blood that could predict who survives cryptococcal meningitis in people with HIV.

  NIH research Albert Einstein College of Medicine · Bronx, United States · NIH-11432319

• Blood-brain barrier problems during bacterial meningitis

  Researchers are studying why the brain’s protective barrier fails during bacterial meningitis and how that leads to brain injury, with a focus on how bacteria invade brain cells and disrupt protective transporters.

  NIH research University of Texas Dallas · Richardson, United States · NIH-11431371

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.