Study of Gene Expression and Imaging in Adults With Spinal Tuberculosis Comparing Isolated and Disseminated Forms Using PETCT and MRI Assessing Treatment and Disease Patterns Over 12 Months

What this Trial Is About

Tuberculosis TB is a leading cause of death worldwide, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa where both TB and HIV rates are high. This research focuses on spinal TB, also called Potts disease, which causes severe spinal damage and affects vulnerable groups like children, people with HIV, and the elderly. The study aims to better understand spinal TB by examining its clinical features and gene expression patterns to help improve diagnosis and treatment. Researchers will use whole-body PETCT scans alongside MRI to study the spread of spinal TB and identify gene expression profiles that distinguish isolated spinal TB from cases where the disease has spread to other organs. Patients diagnosed with spinal TB will undergo clinical exams, blood collection, sputum testing, and whole-body PETCT scans at the start, 6 months, and 12 months. Samples from the spine and other affected sites will be collected if surgery occurs. Participants will be monitored for up to three years, with regular imaging and genetic testing to track disease progression and response to treatment. Researchers will evaluate gene expression profiles, compare PETCT and MRI findings, analyze bacterial genomes, and observe changes over time using PETCT. The goal is to develop better diagnostic tools, including a possible blood test, to identify and monitor spinal TB more effectively.

Gene Expression Profiles in Spinal Tuberculosis.