Page 82 - SAMRC AnnualReport 2025-26

CTR also expanded its One Health research
agenda to address gaps in cross-species and
environmental transmission. Projects included
culture-independent detection of Mycobacterium
tuberculosis complex DNA in African buffalo,
improved detection of pathogenic Mycobacterium
species in soil and water sediments, and high-
resolution phylogenetic analyses of M. bovis. These
initiatives strengthened molecular epidemiology,
diagnostics, and surveillance within wildlife and
environmental reservoirs.
Research in host genetics and genomics
focused on African genomic diversity and its
role in TB susceptibility, disease outcomes, and
pharmacogenomics. Key achievements included
confirmation of HLA-II associations, investigation
of mitochondrial and nuclear genetic determinants,
characterisation of pharmacogenetic variation
affecting TB drug metabolism, and development
of Africa-specific genomic resources. This
work addresses longstanding gaps in genomic
representation and supports precision medicine
and evidence-based public health strategies.

In the clinical and translational research domain,
the Centre advanced AI-driven PET-CT imaging
for improved detection and characterisation of
pulmonary and subclinical TB, evaluated long-
term outcomes of imaging-defined TB, and
contributed to TB vaccine trials. Diagnostic
research further assessed targeted next-generation
sequencing for rapid drug susceptibility testing,
identifying emerging bedaquiline resistance and
informing precision treatment, prevention, and
outbreak monitoring. Additional studies explored
immune mechanisms, host-directed therapies,
nanotherapeutics, and novel antimycobacterial
agents to combat TB and TB-related lung
pathology. Collectively, these activities reinforced
CTR’s contribution to innovative, context-relevant
TB research with measurable impact on TB control.

Building Capacity Through
Training, Mentorship, and Support

Capacity development remains central to CTR’s
mission, with initiatives designed to advance equity,
empowerment, and socially responsive research
across scientific, clinical, and community settings.
The Centre prioritises inclusive training, structured The SAMRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research
mentorship, gender transformation, and meaningful is a key part of South Africa’s fight against the
community engagement to strengthen both ongoing TB epidemic.
individual capability and institutional sustainability.

80 SA M R C A N N U A L R EP O R T 2 0 2 5 / 2 0 2 6