CATHERINE MUROMBEDZI
HEALTH CORRESPONDENT
Bali, Indonesia: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health priority, with multi-drug-resistant (MDR) TB cases on the rise. The University of Oxford unveiled groundbreaking research at the Union World Conference on Lung Health (November 12-16), showcasing a free genomic analysis platform to enhance tuberculosis (TB) control efforts.
Developed by EIT Pathogena, this cloud-based tool utilizes automated whole-genome sequencing (WGS) for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.TB) and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTMs).
Key Highlights
● Over 95% accuracy in predicting resistance to critical TB drugs like isoniazid and rifampicin
● Analysed 2,663 M.TB samples
● Simplifies WGS adoption in TB care, especially in resource-limited settings
● Users can upload samples and receive results without extensive computational resources.
Dr. Philip Fowler, Associate Professor and lead researcher, emphasized: “Our aim is to make WGS accessible to all, particularly in resource-limited settings.”
Supported by the Ellison Institute of Technology, Oxford, EIT Pathogena plans to expand focus beyond TB to track various pathogens. Develop a global ‘always-on’ pathogen monitoring ecosystems. Inform infectious disease treatment through innovative point-of-care diagnostics and data-driven precision medicine
This platform directly supports the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) global health priority to combat TB, particularly multi-drug-resistant (MDR) TB cases.
● Feedback: [email protected]
