The International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE) at Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has commenced pilot study to evaluate the importance of T-Cells in the development of tuberculosis (TB) among people infected with HIV, TB and both diseases.
IRCE Research Manager, Dr Evaesi Okpokoro stated that, “the cause of TB reactivation or progression to active disease during HIV is poorly understood. The study will test whether the disruption of T- cell subsets contributes to the progression of TB in people living with HIV.”
While speaking at a training for study staff in Abuja, Dr Okpokoro said that the research will be conducted at Asokoro District Hospital. “20 participants will be recruited with five each for those who are; HIV positive and TB negative; HIV negative and TB positive; HIV negative and TB positive; HIV negative and TB negative.
The study has Dr Cristiana Cairo and Dr Alfredo Garzino from the University of Maryland Baltimore as Principal Investigators while Executive Director IRCE, Prof Alash’le Abimiku, and Dr. Evaezi Okpokoro are co-investigators.
