The TBPod

Actnet

The TBPod is a podcast for clinicians and policymakers caring for patients with tuberculosis. The podcasts present discussions with expert clinicians, researchers, policymakers and advocates about their work in the field of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and is an important contributor to morbidity among migrants arriving in Australia and New Zealand. There are around 1300 reported cases of TB in Australia each year, and a further 300 in New Zealand. Included in these figures are cases of multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB which pose significant barriers to treatment and management of the disease. The Australian government has committed to the global elimination of TB by 2030, but to do so requires the development of innovative new strategies, based on high-quality research, that has national and international reach. These podcasts aim to engage and update those who are interested in the field of tuberculosis through discussions with leaders in the field of tuberculosis.

  1. 12/20/2025

    Understanding TBM: Dr Joseph Donovan on Global Challenges, Trials & Critical-Care Needs

    Dr Joseph Donovan, clinical researcher at OUCRU Vietnam and Associate Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, joins Dr Angus Lane, medical registrar to discuss the global burden and diagnostic challenges of tuberculosis meningitis (TBM). He outlines key findings from major trials in Vietnam and Indonesia, including the ACT HIV trial of adjunctive dexamethasone, discusses global practice guidelines, and highlights existing and emerging evidence on antiretroviral timing, aspirin, and rifampicin. Dr Donovan also reflects on the severe neurological complications of TBM and the need for evidence-based critical-care strategies worldwide.

    37 min

  2. 11/18/2025

    Advancing TB Research: Dr Jodie Schildkraut & Dr Van Le Hong from Unite4TB

    Catherine Berry, ACTnet Steering Committee member and ID physician at John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, was joined by Dr Jodie Schildkraut and Dr Van Le Hong, key researchers in the global Unite4TB consortium, which is accelerating the development of new TB treatments. Dr Schildkraut, based at Radboud University Medical Center, leads the Phase 2B/C clinical trials work package and coordinates across multiple TB consortia. Dr Van Le Hong, a pulmonologist and clinical research fellow at OUCRU Vietnam, heads the multi-arm, multi-stage (MAMS) trial platform in Ho Chi Minh City. Together, they explore Unite4TB’s approach to transforming TB regimen development, strengthening trial platforms, advancing biomarkers, improving early-phase design, and harmonising global research efforts, while reflecting on the practical challenges of conducting trials in high-burden settings.

    38 min

  3. 06/02/2025

    Post-TB Sequelae: Life and Death After TB Treatment - In Discussion with Prof. Nicolas Menzies

    Associate Professor Nicolas Alan Menzies, from the School of Global Health and Population at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts, joins Dr Andrew Burke to discuss his research on the contribution of post-TB sequelae to life-years and quality-adjusted life-years lost due to TB disease in the United States. Drawing on data from both U.S. and Brazilian cohorts, he explores how a significant portion of TB’s health burden, including elevated mortality and reduced quality of life, emerges after treatment completion with apparent cure. Together, they discuss the impact of delayed diagnosis, age-related risks, and the need for early detection and long-term care.

    25 min

  4. 02/28/2025

    CATAPuLT - Can we manage latent TB infection in primary care?

    Dr Matthew Burman is a TB clinician and researcher from East London, Queen Mary University and the Blizzard Institute. Today he presents the data from the CATAPULT trial which randomised patients to either have their latent TB infection managed by a TB clinic in secondary care, or be managed in primary care by their GP in concert with a community pharmacist. This amazing trial re-evaluates how we think about TB preventative therapy and looks at new ways of approaching the burden of latent TB infection. REFERENCES Burman, M., et al. "Protocol for a cluster randomised control trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of treatment for latent tuberculosis infection in recent migrants within primary care: the CATAPuLT trial." BMC Public Health 19 (2019): 1-7. Goswami, Neela D., et al. "Predictors of latent tuberculosis treatment initiation and completion at a US public health clinic: a prospective cohort study." BMC public health 12 (2012): 1-8. Loutet, Miranda G., et al. "National roll-out of latent tuberculosis testing and treatment for new migrants in England: a retrospective evaluation in a high-incidence area." European Respiratory Journal 51.1 (2018). Alsdurf, Hannah, et al. "The cascade of care in diagnosis and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis." The Lancet Infectious Diseases 16.11 (2016): 1269-1278.

    30 min

  5. 02/01/2025

    Unlocking GeneXpert: A Deep Dive with Dr Stijn Deborggraeve

    Dr. Stijn Deborggraeve is the Diagnostics Advisor Infectious Diseases at Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Access Campaign. In this episode we discussed GeneXpert technology including pricing, logistics, and future developments.

    25 min

  6. 01/01/2025

    Fighting Childhood Tuberculosis: Expert Advice from Dr Graeme Hoddinott

    Dr Graeme Hoddinott is a Senior Lecturer in Global Health at the University of Sydney. He is also an Extraordinary Associate Professor in paediatrics at Stellenbosch University. Much of his research experience is on tuberculosis, especially among children, adolescents, and their families.  In this episode, we explore ground-breaking research on the preferences of children and adolescents in tuberculosis (TB) treatment and management, revealing surprising insights that could lead to better patient outcomes. We also discuss the hidden long-term effects of TB treatment in younger populations and highlight areas where further research is essential.

    34 min

  7. 12/01/2024

    Understanding the Patient Tuberculosis Experience with Sarah Bernays

    Associate Professor Sarah Bernays, co-director of the Masters of Global Health program at the University of Sydney, leads a social science research program focused on community engagement in infectious disease prevention, treatment, and care. Her work emphasizes understanding how individuals, households, and communities respond to health adversity, risk, and vulnerability while fostering resilience and hope. In this episode, we explored the perspectives of tuberculosis patients, the challenges they face in accessing and receiving clinical care, and methods to identify what truly matters to them. We also examined strategies for clinicians and researchers to enhance their approaches to interventions. Finally, we highlighted the importance of cultural contexts and the value of patient expertise in shaping effective care. 1. Person-centered and youth-oriented interventions to improve TB Care for adolescents and young adults: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0003659

    33 min

  8. 11/01/2024

    Eradication in Sight? Overcoming Tuberculosis with Guy Marks

    Professor Guy Marks AO FAHMS is a distinguished respiratory and public health physician and environmental epidemiologist. Currently serving as the President and interim Executive Director of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), he has led the Respiratory and Environmental Epidemiology group at the Woolcock Institute since 1997. His research primarily focuses on lung health, with particular emphasis on airway diseases, air pollution, and tuberculosis. Additionally, he is dedicated to capacity building in lung health research.  In this episode, we delve into the essential factors for TB elimination, emphasizing the need for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers to focus on the infectious nature of TB. We explore the significance of large-scale active case finding, a strategy employed since the early 20th century, and discuss why targeted case-finding should be prioritized in middle- and low-burden countries where it proves most effective. Summary (Unfortunately not included in the audio)  Despite extensive eradication efforts comparable to malaria and HIV, TB remains a persistent public health issue. Guy indicated that current metrics suggest we are not on track to meet the 2030-2035 global TB eradication targets.  Professor Marks highlights the primary factors required for TB elimination, with emphasis that as clinicians, researchers, and policymakers, we need to centre our approach to TB eradication on the basis infectious nature of TB.  Since its use in the early 20th century in Western countries, large-scale active case finding remains a primary strategy in the management of TB. Guy indicates that targeted case-finding should be reserved for middle and low TB burden countries where it is more effective.    Professor Mark's Vietnam-Based Research on TB Transmission shows that in high-burden TB countries:  Most TB cases result from recent transmission, and are the largely responsible for driving the epidemic in these settings. Identifying and treating these recently diagnosed cases leads to a rapid reduction in TB incidence across the population.  Feasibility and cost remain as the prohibitive challenges for implementing molecular techniques widely in TB case identification. However, advances in radiographic technology are helping to bridge this gap, especially in high TB settings.   Professor Mark's suggests that the essential approach to achieving TB eradication will revolve around finding patients with TB and delivering efficient and effective healthcare. The Union World Conference on Lung Health 2024 is just a few days away starting on 12 November 2024 in Bali, Indonesia, but it is still not too late to register. Be sure to explore the comprehensive Programme, full of the latest scientific breakthroughs in tuberculosis and lung disease.  If you cannot make it to Bali, registered delegates have online access to most sessions as they happen or can watch at leisure.

    31 min
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About

The TBPod is a podcast for clinicians and policymakers caring for patients with tuberculosis. The podcasts present discussions with expert clinicians, researchers, policymakers and advocates about their work in the field of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and is an important contributor to morbidity among migrants arriving in Australia and New Zealand. There are around 1300 reported cases of TB in Australia each year, and a further 300 in New Zealand. Included in these figures are cases of multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB which pose significant barriers to treatment and management of the disease. The Australian government has committed to the global elimination of TB by 2030, but to do so requires the development of innovative new strategies, based on high-quality research, that has national and international reach. These podcasts aim to engage and update those who are interested in the field of tuberculosis through discussions with leaders in the field of tuberculosis.

Information

  • Creator
    Actnet
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The TBPod
  • Show Website
    The TBPod