Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2009. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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New Vision (Kampala) - September 27, 2009
Aidah Nanyonjo
Dr. Moses Joloba, the head of the medical microbiology department at the university said the laboratory will also carry out research and help in training manpower.
TB is a serious, highly contagious disease affecting millions of people worldwide. If not properly treated, the disease is fatal.
Uganda is ranked 16 on the list of the 22 high-burden TB countries worldwide. In 2007, the country had more than 102,000 new TB cases, with an incidence rate of about 330 per 100,000 people.
Joloba said HIV/AIDS exacerbates the problem of TB control. According to WHO 39% of new TB cases in Uganda are HIV-positive. In sub-Saharan Africa, the rate is higher at 80%.
Dr. Ann Wajja, the project manager of TB vaccine trials, said studies are being conducted in preparation for future clinical trials of new vaccines. A clinical trial field site has already been established in Iganga district.
The studies focus on the rate of TB in both babies and adults in the area. About 2,500 children below two years and 7,000 adults have been selected for the studies.
Wajja said volunteers will be tested for TB and those without the infection enrolled for vaccine trials.
She noted that Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine, which is given to children is only effective for some and not all types of TB. For example, she said, the vaccine can prevent TB in children, but not in adults.
According to WHO guidelines, BCG is not supposed to be given to children infected with HIV/AIDS. This calls for an urgent need for a modern, safe and effective vaccine to prevent all forms of TB, including the drug-resistant strains, in all age groups and among people with HIV.
Sebastian Gelderbloem, the field laboratory development manager, said TB vaccines in the Aeras pipeline have the potential to stop the spread at various stages, prevent infection, primary disease, latency and reactivation.
"A comprehensive approach that includes new and more effective vaccines, improved diagnostics and treatment is needed," he said.
In addition to the lab, there is a TB case verification ward and a negative airflow procedure room at St. Francis Buluba Hospital and administrative offices on the Iganga/Mayuge Demographic Surveillance Site (DSS) grounds.
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