Immunophenotyping of subjects across the TB spectrum (ISATS)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Determining the immunophenotype of subjects across the spectrum of tuberculosis infection to allow for development of novel biomarkers of active infection.
IRAS ID
274087
Contact name
Manish Pareek
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leicester
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
Tuberculosis infection is a major cause of sickness and death throughout the world. To better control the spread of infection we need improved diagnostic tests to identify people who are infected, in order to offer appropriate treatment. Currently, in clinical practice, tuberculosis infection is divided into 2 types: Active TB – when the individual displays symptoms. another type Latent TB – when blood tests have identified that the individual has been exposed to the bacteria, but there are no symptoms or clinical findings to suggest current active disease. These individuals may be at risk of progressing to active infection.
More recently our understanding of the disease has evolved. We now appreciate that the above classification is an oversimplification. In fact, there may be a dynamic spectrum of pathology associated with TB infection. Being able to place patients at a point on this spectrum with confidence would be beneficial for patients. We could then avoid treating those who do not require antibiotics and effectively treat those that do.
The currently available blood test only determines whether a person has been exposed to the bacteria and cannot discriminate latent from active TB. We aim to examine the level of expression of a protein produced by the white blood cells of patients known to have been exposed to the bacteria and also to characterise and examine the activity of these white blood cells. If we can determine whether there is a difference in these markers in those who are diagnosed with active TB, those diagnosed with latent TB and those that have never been exposed to the bacteria then measurement of these markers may improve the accuracy of TB diagnosis in the future.
REC name
London - Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/LO/0514
Date of REC Opinion
29 Apr 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion