Genetic testing helps rational drug use in TB patients

A study in the United Kingdom showed that if a specific version of a specific gene belonging to a tuberculosis patient is detected in advance, it can be targeted and appropriately administered to avoid under-dosing, resulting in insufficient effects or excessive use of drugs leading to side effects.

Researchers from institutions such as London’s King’s College reported in a new issue of Cell magazine that antibiotics are commonly used to kill TB bacilli in the treatment of tuberculosis and drugs such as dexamethasone are used to control inflammation, and whether dexamethasone is dosed. Appropriate for treatment is very important.

After analyzing the situation of hundreds of patients, the researchers found that there is a gene called LTA4H in the human body. It has several versions, and the amount of dexamethasone needed for treatment in tuberculosis patients with different versions of the gene is Different. Some patients have a genetic version that causes more severe inflammation, and others have the opposite. This requires medications that vary from person to person. The dose is too low to achieve therapeutic effect, while overdosage can cause some side effects.

Guy Tryves, who is involved in the study, said that the detection of the gene LTA4H is simple and rapid, helping to design the best treatment for patients. In addition, because the relationship between this gene and inflammation exists in many diseases, this research may also apply to the individual treatment of other diseases.