Significant discovery on drug-resistant TB
KwaZulu-Natal scientists have made a significant discovery in their research into drug-resistant tuberculosis.
They have traced the existence of the bacterial infection to as far back as the 1950s in the province.
The KZN Research Institute for Tuberculosis and HIV says the study shows when mutations in the TB bacteria started to occur, as well as the origin of extreme drug resistant-TB in KZN.
The institute's Alex Pym says they have also learnt why there have been various strains of the infection.
He says their research is now shifting to creating new treatment.
"If we can use these new drugs together in a combination, it will find it very difficult to become resistant to three drugs simultaneously. What we hope is that if we can provide patients with these three new drug combinations then we'll be able to halt the relentless progression of resistance," he said.
(File photo)