Basic and Translation Research in Tuberculosis. The paradigm of human tuberculosis (TB) as a spectral disease is well established. However, the heterogeneity in host and pathogen interactions and the underlying mechanisms driving the spectrum of clinical states in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infected hosts, ranging from bacterial clearance to latent infection that either progresses to active disease or not remain largely unexplored. Furthermore, the role of host interactions with clinically distinct M. tuberculosis strains in driving the immunopathological response, disease severity and subsequent transmissibility of M. tuberculosis are also not well understood. In addition, with regards to disease management, there is an urgent need for TB biomarkers that can predict risk of progression to disease and response to treatment. Working with collaborators in Brazil, India and Uganda, Salgame’s research focuses on addressing these knowledge gaps. The scientific endeavors of the Salgame lab are supported by several NIH grants.
- Title
- Professor and Director, Graduate Medical Research Program
- salgampa@njms.rutgers.edu