Tuberculosis has plagued humanity for centuries, claiming over a million lives annually and standing as the top infectious killer worldwide. Despite advancements in treatment, the intricate process of TB transmission at the level of tiny droplets remains poorly understood.

In a groundbreaking effort to unravel this mystery, researchers at the Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation, alongside experts from MIT and Weill Cornell Medicine, have introduced an innovative system known as the Transmission Simulation System (TSS). This cutting-edge technology ingeniously simulates the human cough, allowing scientists to explore TB’s airborne spread with remarkable accuracy.

Headed by Dr. Martin Gengenbacher, this research team recently published their findings in the medical journal mBio. Funded by a grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the TSS has the potential to catalyze the development of new therapies and vaccines against one of the world's deadliest diseases.

“Traditional models used to expose animals to an imprecise ‘fog’ of bacteria,” explained Dr. Gengenbacher. “While functional, they failed to replicate the true nuances of TB transmission.”

The TSS's breakthrough lies in its ability to replicate the essential characteristics of a human cough and accurately project aerosolized droplets containing TB bacteria. By using a unique “nose-only” pickup method, the system enhances consistency in observation and data collection.

“This revolutionary system gives us the power to model the entire journey of tuberculosis in a controlled environment,” Dr. Gengenbacher stated. “Its aerosol concentrations and droplet sizes are much more representative of those found in active TB patients. This opens new avenues for investigating the bacterium’s vulnerabilities in the air and formulating strategies to disrupt transmission.”

Beyond its immediate implications for TB, this innovative tool holds promise for a wider scope of research on infectious diseases that spread through air and droplets. Dr. David Perlin, CDI's Chief Scientific Officer, emphasized the significance: “By comprehensively understanding human-to-human transmission, we set the stage for testing interventions across various infectious diseases.”

As the team reflects on their journey in TB research, Dr. Gengenbacher expresses excitement about future collaborations and the continuous support from NIAID and NIH. “With innovative preventive measures, we can aspire to eradicate this disease from the globe,” he noted. “Our fight against TB as a worldwide threat could be poised for a monumental shift.”