Understanding how tuberculosis bacteria cause cough and spread
Official title: Mechanisms of cough in Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11030724 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria that cause tuberculosis can make people cough, which helps them spread the infection, and it aims to find out how this happens so we can better control the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | March 8, 2021 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $725,885 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI158688-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030724 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with active tuberculosis who experience persistent cough.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with latent tuberculosis infection or those without respiratory symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) causes cough, a key method for its transmission between individuals. By studying the interaction between Mtb and nociceptive neurons, the research aims to uncover how the bacteria may trigger cough responses during infection. The approach includes analyzing specific bacterial strains and their effects on cough induction, which could provide insights into the dynamics of tuberculosis transmission. The findings could lead to better strategies for controlling the spread of tuberculosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for preventing the transmission of tuberculosis, ultimately reducing infection rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the mechanisms of bacterial transmission can lead to significant advancements in public health strategies, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shiloh, Michael — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Shiloh, Michael
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how cough spreads tuberculosis
This study is looking at how coughing helps spread the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB) so we can find better ways to prevent and treat the disease, especially for those at higher risk.
-
Understanding and preventing lung problems after tuberculosis treatment
This research aims to find new ways to identify people who are at risk of developing long-term lung issues after completing treatment for tuberculosis.
-
Identifying patients at risk of lung disease after tuberculosis treatment
This study is looking for ways to help people who have finished their tuberculosis treatment by finding out who might develop lung problems later on, using new tools like a mobile app to track coughs instead of just relying on standard lung tests.
-
Coronary disease and immune activation in people with HIV and tuberculosis coinfection
This research looks at how having HIV and latent tuberculosis together might raise the risk of heart disease, and what immune changes are involved.
-
Pulmonary rehabilitation to reduce breathing problems after tuberculosis
A program of guided exercise and breathing training to help adults who have recovered from TB breathe better and feel healthier.
-
Pulmonary rehab to reduce breathing troubles after TB
A program of pulmonary rehabilitation is being studied to help adults who have completed TB treatment avoid ongoing lung problems and improve daily breathing.
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.