Not only are tuberculosis cases on the increase, but a serious aspect of the problem is the recent occurrence of outbreaks of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, which poses an urgent public health problem and requires rapid intervention. Bacteria genes responsible for drug resistance are being identified. Preliminary studies indicate that patients with active TB can be identified using a peripheral blood assay. The epidemiology of TB in lower Manhattan is being studied to learn more about the spread of recently transmitted tuberculous as compaaared to reactivation of infection acquired in the past. In addition, minority supplements have been added to six tuberculosis grants to enable minority individuals to pursue research and to gain experience and recognition in the area.
Details regards two of the projects are presented below.
The study characterizes the granulomatous response of tuberculosis. Although generally viewed as a critical element in host defense against M. tuberculosis, little is known about the tuberculosis granuloma at the cellular, molecular, and biochemical levels. The unusually high incidence of disseminated tuberculosis and the markedly deficient granulomatous response seen in AIDS patients suggest a significant role for T-cells in the regulation of granuloma formation. In contrast, control animals fed a regular diet developed a vigorous granulomatous response and remained clinically well for months. Thus, the PCM model provides a system that allows comparative studies of the granulomatous reaction during the course of tuberculous infection.