Saskatoon Researchers Aim to Shorten TB Treatment to One Month | World Tuberculosis Day

Saskatoon researchers are intensifying efforts to combat tuberculosis (TB), a disease that continues to claim 1.3 million lives globally each year, despite being largely considered a threat of the past in developed nations. A team at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) is focused on dramatically shortening the lengthy and often debilitating treatment regimen for TB, aiming to reduce it from six months to just one.

The current standard treatment for TB involves a six-month course of antibiotics. While effective, this prolonged therapy frequently leads to patients discontinuing treatment once they commence to feel better, creating a dangerous pathway to drug-resistant TB. “People start taking the antibiotics, they start to feel a bit better, and they stop taking the antibiotics before the six months are completed,” explains Dr. Neeraj Dhar, a Research Scientist at VIDO. “Studies have shown that any time the treatment is interrupted before the six months is completed, the TB inevitably comes back.”

Understanding Bacterial Persistence: A Key to Shorter Treatment

Dr. Dhar’s research centers on understanding the fundamental mechanisms that allow Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes TB, to persist within the human body. By identifying the essential pathways the bacteria rely on for survival, his team hopes to pinpoint optimal targets for drug intervention. This targeted approach could allow for a more rapid and effective elimination of the infection. “In the field, in the research community, we like to challenge ourselves, and this has been a dream if we can get it down to one month,” Dr. Dhar stated.

The work at VIDO builds on Dr. Dhar’s extensive background in microbiology and tuberculosis research. He received his PhD from the University of Delhi South Campus for developing recombinant BCG-based vaccines against TB and conducted postdoctoral research at The Rockefeller University, where he studied bacterial persistence and single-cell imaging techniques. His full profile at VIDO details his career trajectory, including a period as a Senior Scientist at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) in Lausanne, Switzerland, where he utilized microengineering technologies to analyze bacterial phenotypes.

TB Rates in Saskatchewan: A Localized Challenge

The need for improved TB treatment and prevention is particularly acute in Saskatchewan, where rates are nearly double the national average. Dr. Dhar attributes this disparity to a complex interplay of social and economic factors, including overcrowded housing, limited access to healthcare, and food insecurity. These conditions create environments where TB can thrive and spread more easily.

The situation is especially critical within Indigenous communities. “The Inuit communities have the highest rates. The TB rates in the Inuit communities are almost ten times the national average,” Dr. Dhar noted. He explained that historical factors and ongoing systemic issues contribute to the disproportionately high burden of TB in these communities, leading to sporadic outbreaks.

Recognizing the Symptoms and Seeking Timely Diagnosis

Early detection is crucial for effective TB treatment and preventing the development of drug resistance. Dr. Dhar emphasizes the importance of being aware of the common symptoms of TB, which include a persistent cough lasting more than a month, unexplained weight loss, insomnia, and night sweats. Public Health Agency of Canada provides detailed information on TB symptoms, transmission, and prevention.

If you experience these symptoms, We see essential to seek medical attention and get tested for TB. A prompt diagnosis allows for timely treatment, reducing the risk of complications and preventing further spread of the disease.

The Global TB Epidemic: A Persistent Public Health Threat

While TB is often associated with historical periods, it remains a significant global health challenge. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), TB is the second leading infectious killer in the world, after COVID-19. The WHO estimates that 10.6 million people fell ill with TB in 2022, and 1.3 million people died from the disease.

The rise of drug-resistant TB poses a particularly serious threat. Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) require longer, more complex, and more expensive treatment regimens, with lower success rates. This underscores the urgent need for new and innovative approaches to TB treatment and prevention, such as the research being conducted at VIDO.

What’s Next: Advancing TB Research and Improving Public Health Strategies

The research at VIDO is part of a broader global effort to combat TB. Ongoing studies are exploring new drug targets, vaccine candidates, and diagnostic tools. Public health initiatives are focused on improving access to TB care, particularly in high-burden settings, and addressing the social and economic factors that contribute to the spread of the disease.

Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of bacterial persistence and to develop more effective treatment strategies. Collaboration between researchers, healthcare providers, and public health officials is essential to accelerate progress and ultimately eliminate TB as a global health threat. The work of Dr. Dhar and his team at VIDO represents a vital step forward in this ongoing battle.