May
22
Vitamin C lab test kills drug-resistant TB
Vitamin C can kill multi drug-resistant TB in the lab, scientists from Yeshiva University have announced in the journal Nature Communications.
In laboratory studies, vitamin C triggered the production of free radicals, which killed off the TB bacteria - including drug resistant forms.
Lead investigator Dr William Jacobs, professor of microbiology and immunology at Yeshiva University, said: "We have only been able to demonstrate this in a test tube, and we don't know if it will work in humans and in animals...we [do] know vitamin C is inexpensive, widely available and very safe to use. At the very least, this work shows us a new mechanism that we can exploit to attack TB."
Dr Ibrahim Abubakar, head of TB at Public Health England, said: "We welcome any new research which will widen our understanding of how to treat TB. While the findings of this study appear promising, further research to confirm the observations would be essential before Vitamin C can be used to supplement TB treatment."
Read the full article on BBC News online
In laboratory studies, vitamin C triggered the production of free radicals, which killed off the TB bacteria - including drug resistant forms.
Lead investigator Dr William Jacobs, professor of microbiology and immunology at Yeshiva University, said: "We have only been able to demonstrate this in a test tube, and we don't know if it will work in humans and in animals...we [do] know vitamin C is inexpensive, widely available and very safe to use. At the very least, this work shows us a new mechanism that we can exploit to attack TB."
Dr Ibrahim Abubakar, head of TB at Public Health England, said: "We welcome any new research which will widen our understanding of how to treat TB. While the findings of this study appear promising, further research to confirm the observations would be essential before Vitamin C can be used to supplement TB treatment."
Read the full article on BBC News online
May
17
We are recruiting
TB Alert is seeking a Finance and Administration Assistant to join our team fighting TB in the UK and overseas. This is a great opportunity to develop your skills while making a real difference, working as part of a dynamic team committed to fighting a disease which claims 1.4 million lives a year. The charity's mission is to work towards the control and ultimate elimination of TB by increasing access to effective treatment for all. We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual, with excellent financial and organisational skills, to join our Finance and Administration team. Reporting to the Finance and Administration Officer, you will take a key role in the processing of the charity's financial transactions through to assisting in the preparation of financial accounts. You will also be responsible for helping ensure the smooth running of our Brighton head office and for providing administrative support to our staff in Brighton, Leeds, London and Manchester.
Download the job description
Download the application form
May
17
Professional events update
Check out our Professional Events section for information about upcoming events on TB and Public Health issues from Public Health England, The Scottish Government and the Birmingham and Midland Institute.
