Knowledge gaps and research priorities in tuberculous meningitis

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Neurology

Background:

• Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is the most severe form of tuberculosis (TB), causing significant disability and mortality, particularly in children and HIV-co-infected individuals.
• Limited research centers and coordination hinder progress in TBM research.
• The TBM International Research Consortium was established to foster collaboration and address these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize knowledge gaps and identify research priorities in TBM.
• To guide future research efforts for this neglected disease.
• To foster global collaboration in TBM research.

Main Methods:

• Convening the TBM International Research Consortium with ~50 researchers from five continents in 2009, 2015, and 2019.
• Presentations on expertise, knowledge gaps, and research priorities during consortium meetings.
• Developing a consensus on research priorities through a core writing group and consortium-wide feedback across seven domains: epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, antimicrobial therapy, host-directed therapy, critical care, and implementation science.

Main Results:

• Identified key knowledge gaps and research priorities across seven critical domains of TBM.
• Established a consensus on unmet needs and future research directions for TBM.
• Highlighted the importance of coordinated international research efforts.

Conclusions:

• Urgent need for coordinated research to address knowledge gaps in TBM.
• Prioritization of research in epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, critical care, and implementation science is crucial.
• International collaboration is essential to combat TBM effectively.