Neil Martinson | TB Diagnostics Expert

Biography

Prof Neil Martinson has worked for over 20 years as a clinical epidemiologist and trialist at PHRU. His primary research focus is TB and its interactions with HIV. He has undertaken large clinical and cluster-randomized trials of treatments and interventions to combat TB and to aid PLWH to quit smoking. He has designed and implemented several universal testing studies for TB in diverse populations; the TUTT Trial in South Africa; and currently the TUTTPlus study and TUTTPT trial. He has established new clinical research sites in Botshabelo, Free State Province, Matlosana, North West Province, and Mukhado and Polokwane, Limpopo Province.

Expertise

TB Diagnostics

Public Health

Key Impacts

Universal TB testing with simultaneous TPT prescribing among people living with HIV in South Africa

We achieved a high level of TB testing and TPT prescribing using the TUTT-PT approach, with successful switch from TPT to TB treatment in both arms for people diagnosed with TB disease. Routine rollout of a TUTT-PT approach could substantially increase TPT prescribing and decrease TB disease. A larger clinical trial should be considered.

Source: Conference 2024