Natural History of Tuberculosis
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Summary
Background: \- Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that affects numerous people worldwide. Researchers are interested in actively recruiting individuals with TB for research and treatment studies. Objectives: \- To collect blood and other samples to study the natural history of tuberculosis. Eligibility: \- Individuals 2 years of age and older who have either active or latent tuberculosis. Design: * Latent TB patients: Participants will have a single study visit with a physical examination and medical history, and will provide blood samples for testing. * Active TB patients: Participants will have an initial visit with a physical examination and medical history, and will provide blood samples for testing. Participants will also provide sputum samples if required, and may have an optional skin punch biopsy to collect a sample of skin tissue for study. * Treatment for active TB will be provided as part of this protocol. * Active TB participants may be asked to return for study visits every 1-2 months while receiving treatment....
Description
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is a slow-growing bacterium that establishes latent infection in millions of persons worldwide, but only leads to disease in 10% or less of these individuals. It typically causes pneumonia, however dissemination to almost any other organ is possible. Drug resistance of the organism, co-infection with HIV, and paradoxical reactions upon treatment are all factors that may complicate treatment. Host defense against mycobacterial infections is important. Specific defects within the innate immune system lead to Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial infections.…