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Keertan Dheda

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Profile EDCTP Fellowship 1 EDCTP Fellowship 2

Project Title

Novel Biomarkers predictive of susceptibility and treatment response in patients with MDR-TB

EDCTP Project

TA.2007.40200.010

EDCTP Program

EDCTP1

EDCTP Project Call

Senior Fellowship (SF)

Project Objectives

To compare compartment-specific IFN- antigen-specific responses in TB versus non-TB patients. To procure and bank biological material (alveolar lavage fluid and cells) from HIV negative close contacts (of sputum smear positive patients) that have laboratory evidence of LTBI (TST+, IGRA+ i.e.converters) versus those that do not (TST-, IGRA- i.e. nonconverters). To compare expression and function of innate markers of protective immunity (pathogen recognition molecules/ receptors, cytokines, humoral factors and cell phenotypes) in converters and nonconverters.

Study Design

Immunological studies

Host Organisation

Department Institution Country
University of Cape Town Lung Institute (Pty) Ltd South Africa

Results & Outcomes

Rapid diagnosis of TB meningitis by smear microscopy and PCR is problematic and the diagnostic delay can often translate into increased morbidity and mortality due to the poor sensitivity of these assays. The TB-specific quantitative T cell ELISPOT assay, when using CSF mononuclear cells and in conjunction with other rapid confirmatory tests (Gram stain and cryptococcal latex-agglutination) is an accurate and rapid rule-in test for TBM in a TB and HIV endemic setting. The RD-1, but not the purified-protein-derivative, cerebrospinal fluid-lymphocyte IFN-γ ELISPOT response is a useful rapid immunodiagnostic test for TBM. Further studies are continuing from the work described above.

Project Title

Novel biomarkers predictive of susceptibility and treatment response in patients with MDR-TB (DTB)

EDCTP Project

TMA 2015 SF - 1043

EDCTP Program

EDCTP2

EDCTP Project Call

Senior Fellowship (SF)

Host Organisation

Department Institution Country
University of Cape Town (UCT) South Africa