Tuberculosis-related research

Scoping review on macronutrients and TB outcomes 

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health challenge and a leading cause of mortality in 2023, despite being a treatable disease. Enhancing treatment outcomes requires exploring diverse interventions that support the healing process. This scoping review aims to map the existing literature on how macronutrients—proteins, fats, and carbohydrates—influence TB recovery and improve treatment outcomes. The findings will contribute to identifying potential dietary strategies that may optimize TB treatment effectiveness.

Want to know more? Check out the protocol here.

Tuberculosis in children and adolescents in Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area: a prospective cohort of children and adolescents with presumptive tuberculosis 

This collaborative project, led by colleagues at the Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, aims to transform our understanding of tuberculosis (TB) in children and adolescents living in one of the country’s highest-burden metropolitan regions. The study follows a prospective cohort of participants under 20 years of age who present with presumptive TB across multiple public health facilities in Rio de Janeiro. By integrating detailed clinical, epidemiological, radiological, and laboratory data, the project seeks to: (1) characterize the clinical presentation and social determinants of TB in children and adolescents; (2) assess the performance of emerging molecular diagnostic tools—such as Truenat® MTB Plus, Truenat® MTB‑RIF Dx, and LPA‑based assays—against culture as the reference standard; (3) document drug‑resistance patterns and their implications for treatment; and (4) evaluate treatment outcomes and post‑TB sequelae in a region where pediatric TB remains underdiagnosed and understudied.