The Vanderbilt Tuberculosis Center builds on the strengths of Vanderbilt Health and Vanderbilt University in clinical and translational research, focusing on the full spectrum of discovery, from bench to bedside to outcomes.
With expertise in population data management, data quality, and study coordination, our research focuses particularly on epidemiology, including the spectrum of TB disease (M. tuberculosis infection, subclinical or asymptomatic TB, and symptomatic TB), host and pathogen factors that predispose to disease, clinical trials, and outcomes and implementation science research.
These core competencies fit broadly into eight areas of research:
TB Treatment and Prevention
Reducing the human reservoir of M. tuberculosis infection through early TB detection, treatment and prevention are vital to reducing the global burden of TB.
TB Drug Resistance
Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), defined as resistance to at least isoniazid and rifampin, and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB), defined as MDR-TB strains that are also resistant to fluoroquinolones and second-line injectable agents, are a growing concern.
TB/HIV
TB is closely linked to HIV; HIV has been a key contributor to the TB epidemic. People with living with M. tuberculosis and HIV infection are significantly more likely to develop TB than people who are HIV-negative.
TB Transmission and Pathogenesis
Understanding how TB develops in the body is key to developing novel approaches to combating this disease.
Tools and Diagnostics
Rapid and accurate diagnosis is critical for timely initiation of TB treatment, but many people with TB (or TB symptoms) do not have access to adequate initial diagnosis. New tools and diagnostics are needed that can accurately diagnosis TB disease and be utilized in settings across the globe.
TB Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Improving existing treatment and therapy options by utilizing expertise in the pharmacology of anti-TB drugs; through the use of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) analysis to optimize treatment regimens; and the exploration of safety and PK in people living with HIV, children and pregnant women.
Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM)
Improving existing treatment and therapy options for Nontuberculous Mycobacteria is of critical importance. The VTC is working to advance knowledge, diagnosis, and treatment of NTM.
Training the Next Generation of TB Scientists
The VTC aims to train the next generation of TB scientists, enabling them to succeed in their research and academic goals, and provide opportunities for TB training.