Tuberculosis
The Nossal Institute is developing a research theme in tuberculosis due to its devastating impact as an under-recognised killer, whether alone or in association with HIV. In 2006 there were an estimated 1.7 million deaths due to tuberculosis and 14.4 million people infected with the disease, including approximately 9.2 million new cases. Success in eradicating tuberculosis rests on early detection of new cases and provision of a full course of effective treatment. Globally only 60% of tuberculosis is detected, and major treatment challenges have been compounded by development of multiply-resistant strains of the organism.
The Nossal Institute's focus will be on developing research capacity with international partners to support national TB control programs including work on improved surveillance, detection of drug-resistant tuberculosis, and improved treatment and follow-up.