Tuberculosis is one of the oldest infectious diseases known to man. It is very contagious and can spread through the air just like the common cold from people infected. It’s estimated that overall, close to one third of the world’s population is currently infected with TB and one new person becomes infected every second!

Luckily, not everyone becomes sick, but around 5-10 per cent of people infected do. Although TB is a major global health problem, it is not seen that often now in Australia but is becoming a potential problem across the world. This is because like many other infectious diseases, it is rapidly becoming resistant to many of the drugs that are currently available to treat it. In fact there is one strain of TB that is totally resistant to all existing drugs and could potentially become a major health problem across the world.

What we’re doing in the laboratory and overseas

Burnet’s work on tuberculosis is centred on understanding how drug resistant strains spread within certain populations, especially in areas of Africa and Papua New Guinea. This work is also looking at how we can help build the most appropriate health systems to deal with this emerging problem.

Some of Burnet’s researchers are looking at sensitivity of the bacteria to certain drugs and identifying various strains using molecular markers. This work is important in understanding how and where the particular strains are spreading within communities. By understanding the process, we can then implement the most appropriate way of dealing with people infected when they are identified, and providing the best treatment and care options for them.

For more information about Burnet’s work on TB go to www.burnet.edu.au