The TBPod
The TBPod is a podcast for clinicians and policymakers caring for patients with tuberculosis. The podcasts present discussions with expert clinicians, researchers, policymakers and advocates about their work in the field of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and is an important contributor to morbidity among migrants arriving in Australia and New Zealand. There are around 1300 reported cases of TB in Australia each year, and a further 300 in New Zealand. Included in these figures are cases of multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB which pose significant barriers to treatment and management of the disease. The Australian government has committed to the global elimination of TB by 2030, but to do so requires the development of innovative new strategies, based on high-quality research, that has national and international reach. These podcasts aim to engage and update those who are interested in the field of tuberculosis through discussions with leaders in the field of tuberculosis.
The TBPod
TB Origins – Dr Victoria Grey on the Rationale for the Duration of Treatment in TB Meningitis
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Dr Alice Sawka, adult respiratory and TB physician in Adelaide, is joined by Dr Victoria Grey, infectious diseases physician in Brisbane, and Dr Jack Callum, respiratory physician in London, to explore the evidence behind the 12 month treatment duration for TB meningitis.
Together, they discuss the limited evidence underpinning current guidelines, the challenges of treating TB within the central nervous system, and emerging research examining whether shorter treatment regimens may be safe and effective.
This episode concludes the TB Origins series, exploring the evidence and history behind long-standing TB clinical practices.
Show Notes
- Jullien S, Ryan H, Modi M, Bhatia R. Six months therapy for tuberculous meningitis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2016, Issue 9. Art. No.: CD012091. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012091.pub2.
- Donovan J et al. A clinical practice guideline for tuberculous meningitis. Lancet Infect Dis. 2026 Feb;26(2):e96-e111. doi: 10.1016/S1473-3099(25)00364-0. Epub 2025 Aug 18. Erratum in: Lancet Infect Dis. 2025 Dec;25(12):e684. doi: 10.1016/S1473-3099(25)00660-7. PMID: 40840485; PMCID: PMC12419961.
- Sulis G et al. Comparative Effectiveness of Regimens for Drug-Susceptible Tuberculous Meningitis in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Aggregate-Level Data Meta-Analysis. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2022 Apr 9;9(6):ofac108. doi: 10.1093/ofid/ofac108. PMID: 35673608; PMCID: PMC9167638.