Page 83 - SAMRC Annual Report 2024-2025

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Centre for The Study of
Antimicrobial Resistance

Research Unit

Unit director:
Prof. Keertan Dheda
keertan.dheda@uct.ac.za

Advancing Research Priorities: (iii) Several papers were also published including a
Strategic Objectives and Impact Nature Reviews Disease Primer on MDR-TB, led
by Prof Dheda.
The Centre for the Study of Antimicrobial Resistance
(CAMRA) collaborates with South African and Key Milestones and Achievements
international scientists and clinicians to conduct
research into TB and non-TB multi-drug resistant We initiated a new collaboration with BioMérieux
pathogens including (i) studies to investigate the and Oxford Nanopore Technologies to evaluate
relationship between pharmacokinetic (PK) mismatch their new targeted DR-TB diagnostic sequencing
and drug resistance development, and subsequent platform (Ampore TB) and compared it to existing
strategies to improve diagnostic readouts to detect platforms. We have received in-kind funding
mismatch and newer approaches to drug delivery (~R1,000,000) in the form of Ampore kits and a
including inhaled TB drug formulations (ii) to GridION system for the evaluation study. At least
investigate treatment outcomes and transmission one publication is expected to be generated from
dynamics of patients with drug resistant TB, the study. Stage I of the T3 study was initiated, which
including those receiving new and repurposed aims to evaluate the impact of tNGS Ampore assay
drugs (bedaquiline,linezolid). on guiding individualised treatment and impact
on patient outcomes (awaiting outcome of invited
These research activities aim to provide important Stage 2 UKRI funding application to support further
insights into mechanisms of drug resistance stages of the project).
evolution and then lead to better diagnostic and
treatment strategies, transmission interruption The Unit Director has been awarded the DSI/NRF
strategies and to understand the epidemiology of Chair in Interruption of Antimicrobial Resistance
patients who fail treatment, especially those on new Amplification (SARChi). The work here aligns with
and repurposed drugs. the goals of the EMU and funding will be used to
further support AMR-specific projects and facilitate
Some highlights for the reporting period include:
student/postdoc training.
(i) completed review of EDRWeb data (an Prof Dheda has also received several prestigious
electronic DR-TB register in South Africa) on awards including promotion to an NRF A1-rated
linezolid interruption and rechallenge in a
programmatic setting (submitted for publication scientist, the Alan Pifer award for socially responsible
to Lancet Global health and presented at Union research and the ASSAf Science for Society Gold
conference). Medal Award. These awards recognise Prof Dheda
and the Unit's contributions to TB research including
(ii) completion of recruitment in the UFO and lung diagnostics, treatment and healthcare policy in both
PK study. drug-sensitive and drug-resistant TB.

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