Understanding host-pathogen interactions in tuberculosis:
lessons from Mycobacterium africanum
Novel strategies to tackle Tuberculosis
Our project investigates host-pathogen interactions in Tuberculosis, using Mycobacterium africanum as a model. Our aim is to define new mechanisms of protection vs. pathology in Tuberculosis, to be explored from a preventive or therapeutic point of view.
Meetings and workshops
In addition to our research activity, we aim at contributing to the training of specialized human resources for the study infectious diseases in the clinics, laboratory or field work.
Community-oriented dissemination
Through community-oriented activities, we aim at enhancing the knowledge of the local community on Tuberculosis, what causes it, and how can it be prevented and treated.
About us
We investigate the immune response to Tuberculosis by combining clinical and fieldwork with cellular molecular approaches. Our teams, located in Bissau and in Porto, undergo specific training in these aspects of the project to become proficient in research dedicated to infectious diseases.
Community based action
Our team in Bissau visits families affected by Tuberculosis (TB) to inform about TB and help in managing the disease, to improve the life of TB patients and decrease the associated stigma.
Tuberculosis in Africa
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious health problem in Africa. Twenty four of the thirty countries with the highest burden of Tuberculosis TB are in Africa. One quarter of the new Tuberculosis cases and of TB deaths per year occur in the African region.
