Improving immunoassays for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection in children [ 2011 - 2013 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Nigel Curtis (Principal investigator) ,  Dr Tom Connell ,  Prof Stephen Graham ,  Prof Willem Hanekom

Brief description WHO highlights the urgent need for new tests for tuberculosis (TB). Diagnosis of latent TB infection (LTBI) is vital in children to prevent them developing active TB. A tuberculin skin test has long been used but is not always accurate. More accurate blood tests (immunoassays) have recently been developed which improve the diagnosis of LTBI in adults. However, we have shown that these assays do not work well in children. We aim to improve the performance of immunoassays for diagnosing LTBI in children.

Funding Amount $AUD 489,006.20

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant