Pulmonary Tuberculosis: towards improved adjunctive therapies
Abstract
The potential to improve pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) treatment outcomes with adjunctive immunotherapies requires investigation. L-arginine and vitamin D have antimycobacterial properties which render them suitable candidates. Therefore the Arginine and Vitamin D Adjunctive therapy in Pulmonary TB (AVDAPT) trial evaluates these supplements in PTB. This trial commenced in June 2008 in Timika, Papua Province, Indonesia, through a collaboration between the International Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research (Darwin, Australia), the National Institute for Health Research and Development (Ministry of Health, Indonesia), and the Australian National University (Canberra)...This thesis provides the basis for continuation of the AVDAPT study, produces original findings relating to clinico-immunological aspects of PTB, and provides information of major local importance to help guide TB service provision in Timika.