NoTB-Study

Prevalence of non-tuberculous infections in patients with presumed tuberculosis disease in Gabon – a proof-of-principle study

01/04/2024 to 30/09/2025

Diagnostic capacity in TB endemic areas is often limited, resulting in a high proportion of microbiologically unconfirmed (clinical diagnosis) or overlooked TB cases. The mortality rate is increased in clinical TB, the reasons for this are not yet clear. One hypothesis is the presence of undiagnosed non-TB infections that are not addressed by empirical TB treatment. Pathogens such as non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), fungi or parasites (e.g. paragonimiasis) can mimic TB symptoms and lead to TB-suspicious diagnostic findings (e.g. acid-fast rods, granulomas or cavities), resulting in a
TB diagnosis. The microbiological differentiation to TB requires high-level laboratories or the availability of point-of-care tests. This need-assessment and proof-of-principle study will investigate non-TB infections in patients with suspected TB within the infrastructure of the established
African partner institution of the DZIF in Gabon. In addition to diagnostic and outcome data, we will supplement the processing and analysis of samples on site by setting up a biobank for further investigations (e.g. 16S-PCR, sequencing). The findings obtained from offer opportunities for multi-pathogen research and can provide information for optimizing test and treatment algorithms.