Tuberculosis (TB), one of humanity’s most ancient adversaries, continues to challenge the global health landscape. The story of TB is a narrative that spans millennia, weaving through the tapestry of human history and scientific endeavor. This blog delves into the fascinating journey of TB, from its enigmatic presence in ancient Egypt to the forefront of modern medical research, highlighting the relentless pursuit of understanding and combating this pervasive disease.
Echoes from Ancient Egypt
The annals of Egyptian history, rich with the lore of pharaohs and pyramids, also harbor the silent whispers of diseases that once prevailed. Among these, TB’s shadow loomed large, a fact revealed through the meticulous study of mummified remains. The ancient practice of mummification, intended to preserve the dead for eternity, inadvertently preserved evidence of diseases, including TB.
The evidence is not confined to skeletal remains alone; it also finds expression in the art and artifacts of the time. Multiple statues and carvings depicting individuals with characteristic spinal deformities hint at the presence of TB. These artistic representations, coupled with the physical evidence from mummies, underscore the historical burden of TB, affirming its status as a long-standing human ailment. Studies of these remains, particularly those exhibiting skeletal TB or Pott’s disease, offer a glimpse into the prevalence and impact of TB in ancient civilizations.
Bridging Millennia: The Role of Biomarkers
The transition from ancient observations to modern diagnostics underscores the significant evolution of TB research. Today, the focus on biomarkers represents a pivotal shift, offering new insights into TB detection and management, particularly for elusive forms like spinal TB.
Spinal tuberculosis often presents with nonspecific symptoms, such as chronic back pain, which can delay diagnosis significantly. The complexity of diagnosing spinal TB is compounded by the fact that MRI results can mimic other spinal infections, making accurate detection challenging. The gold standard for diagnosis has been biopsies coupled with molecular techniques like GeneXpert and culture techniques like MGIT, directly identifying the causative organism.
Recent advancements have seen a significant focus on circulating biomarkers due to the spine’s inaccessibility. Notably, research involving serum biomarkers analysed by Luminex technology has identified a distinctive five-biomarker signature capable of differentiating spinal TB from mechanical back pain, illustrating the potential of biomarkers in refining diagnostic accuracy.
Further studies have explored microRNA profiles in plasma, identifying specific microRNAs that can distinguish spinal TB from other spinal conditions with high sensitivity and specificity. However, one of the most accessible and cost-effective markers is the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio. This commonly available marker has proven particularly effective in differentiating spinal TB from pyogenic spinal infections, with studies suggesting an optimal cutoff ratio for accurate diagnosis.
These innovations in biomarker research not only enhance our diagnostic capabilities but also pave the way for more targeted and effective treatments, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against TB.
From Ancient Remedies to Modern Therapies
The contrast between ancient remedies and modern therapies highlights the evolution of medical science. Ancient Egyptian texts, such as the Ebers Papyrus, provide fascinating insights into the medical practices of the time, including treatments for conditions resembling TB. While these early treatments bear little resemblance to contemporary therapies, they reflect the enduring human endeavor to combat disease.
Today, the treatment of TB is guided by a deep understanding of the disease at a molecular level, facilitated by advances in biomarker research. The journey from the rudimentary treatments of the past to the sophisticated, targeted therapies of the present encapsulates the progress made in the fight against TB.
Blog written by Justin Devine, Chief Innovation Offiecer
For more info, watch our latest webinar: From Potiphar to Potts: Skeletal TB from Ancient Egypt to the Present Day
About Synexa and Scientific Strategies
Synexa Life Sciences is a global provider of biomarker and bioanalytical services, specialising in the development, validation and delivery of a wide range of complex and custom-designed assays. With a team of 150 across five global laboratory locations; Cape Town, London, Berlin, Turku (Finland) and Rockville (Maryland USA), we provide innovative solutions to support our customers in achieving their clinical milestones.
Synexa’s Scientific Strategies team specialises in navigating the complexities and mitigating the risks associated with advancing compounds into clinical development. Our expertise is centred on critical biomarker and bioanalytical considerations, ensuring a streamlined path toward clinical trials. By offering bespoke consulting support, we deliver clear, actionable insights that address your unique biomarker and bioanalytical challenges, becoming a true strategic partner in your development journey.
