Centrum voor whole genomen sequencing van Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a global problem, with > 9 million cases annually and high numbers of drug resistant (DR) TB. In the 1990's, IS6110 fingerprinting revolution ized TB research. Using t his technique, I proved the importance of exogenous re infection and challenged the dogma that most DR cases are acquired (NEJM 1999, Lancet 2000). Whole genome sequencing (WGS) can again revolutionize TB research as WGS is superior for transmission studies, allows simultaneous detection of all mutations associated with resistance, and creates a platform to address basic science questions such as the role of compensatory mutations, genetic changes in response to treatment, and mutations associated with clinical outcome. I propose to establish a multidisciplinary Centre for WGS of MTB, housed in VAXINFECTIO, University of Antwerp (UA), and closely collaborating with the Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Stellenbosch University (SU) in South Africa, a priority country for UA. Using the sequencing infrastructure at UA, WGS of selected isolates of a SU biobank of ~10,000 MTB isolates from a well-defined community and ~ 3,000 DR isolates will allow us to optimize methods for WGS data analysis and advance TB knowledge by addressing a combination of basic science and public health questions. The international collaboration will take advantages of the excellent infrastructure at both universities and the exchange of UA and SU students will generate a new generation of TB scientists.

Trefwoorden:TUBERCULOSE, SEQUENCING

Disciplines:Maatschappelijke gezondheidszorg, Gezondheidswetenschappen, Publieke medische diensten

Project type:Samenwerkingsproject