To investigate HIV TB coinfection dynamics in TB patients

It has recently been realized that the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and management of both HIV and M. tuberculosis infections are different and far more complex in co-infected compared to mono-infected patients. However, our knowledge about the mechanisms of interaction of the two pathogen

Project Title

To investigate HIV TB coinfection dynamics in TB patients

Project Area of Specialization

Shared Economy

Project Summary

It has recently been realized that the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and management of both HIV and M. tuberculosis infections are different and far more complex in co-infected compared to mono-infected patients. However, our knowledge about the mechanisms of interaction of the two pathogens still has many gaps that need to be filled in order to develop preventive measures against the two diseases. Mathematical analyses of co-infection model leads to the outcome that aims to reduce the total burden of HIV/TB co-infection worldwide. The analyses can also help us to develop more effective treatment program that will eventually eradicate the disease. Health care providers can help prevent drug-resistant TB by quickly diagnosing cases, following recommended treatment guidelines, monitoring patients’ response to treatment, and making sure therapy is completed. Behavioural interventions seek to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by addressing risky behaviours. A behavioural intervention may aim to reduce the number of sexual partners individuals have, improve treatment adherence among people living with HIV, increase the use of clean needles among people who inject drugs, or increase the consistent and correct use of condoms. Powerful prevention tools exist and it is down to international and domestic responses to use these interventions in combination, targeted at the people who need them most. Quickening the pace for essential HIV combination prevention and treatment approaches will limit the epidemic to more manageable levels and enable countries to move towards eliminating HIV and TB as a public health threat.

Project Objectives

• To understand the pathogenesis of HIV/TB co-infection and the general disease behavior.
• To assess the impact of co-infection and its prevalence on the disease severity.
• To investigate the ecological factors affecting the transmission of both HIV and TB.

Project Implementation Method

Mathematical analyses of co-infection compartmental models will enable us to understand the behavior of the disease. In turn, this knowledge can aid us in predicting future outbreaks, their duration and the severity of future outbreaks based on the model parameter estimation and through estimation of latent/exposed cases. Different spread patterns for the disease, how these diseases spread or what are the factors that affect the progress will be observed from the co-infection models through sensitivity analysis. Epidemiological concerns regarding the pathogenesis can help address the dominant pathogen responsible for disease related death. The nature of disease progression and cross-pathogen interaction in a multi-pathogen infected host can help suggest possible treatment routes specifically designed for co-infection. Suitable preventive/control/treatment strategies can be formulated based on the predicted disease information.

Benefits of the Project

Most importantly healthy people that are prone to this life-threatening disease can be protected by taking some preventative measures. More effective treatments and drugs could be design. The chances for the spread of HIV/TB infection can be reduced if the formulated prevention program policies are based on realistic predictions.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

Different patterns of disease, how these diseases spread or what are the factors that speeds up the progress will be observed from the mathematical modelling of TB, HIV and HIV/TB co-infection models. The analyses can also help the healthcare organizations or healthcare policy professionals to establish new successful co-infection treatment programs. One approach would be to construct a combined TB/HIV vaccine. Preventive healthcare strategies for HIV infected people with latent TB infection can also be established that are important to reduce the risk of progression to active TB. Under-reporting of tuberculosis (TB) cases complicates disease control, hinders contact tracing and alters the accuracy of epidemiological data, including disease burden. Reporting TB cases to the public health department is important to identify affected patients promptly thereby lowering transmission, to calculate an accurate incidence, and also to identify the TB index cases. This study can be used to evaluate the proportion of unreported TB cases and to identify the associated factors. Realistic parameters such as transmission rate, recovery rate can be determined through modelling.

Final Deliverable of the Project

Software System

Type of Industry

Medical , Health

Technologies

Shared Economy

Sustainable Development Goals

Good Health and Well-Being for People

Required Resources

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