UCT’s commitment to addressing the global TB epidemic

27 Mar 2025 | By Saberi Marais
TB affected lungs
27 Mar 2025 | By Saberi Marais

On 24 March, we commemorated World Tuberculosis Day, the ideal opportunity to underscore the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) commitment to addressing the global tuberculosis (TB) epidemic through cutting-edge research and technological advancements. UCT researchers, collaborators and affiliated institutes, including the South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (SATVI), are at the forefront of developing innovative diagnostics and therapeutics to combat this persistent infectious disease.

A critical challenge in TB management is the accurate and timely diagnosis of active disease. UCT researchers and its spin-off company Antrum Biotech are evaluating the usefulness of urinary biomarkers capable of distinguishing between active TB, latent TB infection, and individuals without TB. This holds the potential for the development of improved point-of-care diagnostic tests, which could significantly impact disease control efforts.  

Furthermore, UCT and its collaborator Quantum Dx are evaluating a method for predicting an individual's risk of progressing from latent TB infection to active TB disease. This innovative approach analyses the relative abundance of specific gene biomarkers in patient samples, enabling the initiation of preventative treatment at an optimal time.

In another innovative approach to TB diagnostics, UCT researchers have discovered that the cyanobacterial lectin microvirin-N (MVN) can bind to the M. tuberculosis biomarker ManLAM in urine. This interaction enhances the specificity and sensitivity of lipoarabinomannan (ManLAM)-based TB diagnostic tests, representing a significant advancement in the field.  

SATVI, a leading research group within UCT's Faculty of Health Sciences, is actively engaged in the development and evaluation of effective TB vaccines, including candidate mRNA vaccines, in a research consortium comprising local and international development partners. While specific details on these mRNA vaccine candidates are still emerging as the researchers evaluate them, this technology offers a promising avenue for rapid vaccine development.  

UCT's comprehensive portfolio of TB-related technologies reflects its unwavering dedication to making a tangible impact on this global health challenge. Through its innovative research in diagnostics and potential preventative measures, UCT is contributing significantly to the international effort to end the TB epidemic.