Du Toit Loots
Keynote: J Pulm Respir Med
Despite the fervent genomic and proteomic based research efforts to date, since its discovery in 1882, TB is still a major global problem, and hence new approaches are necessary to better characterize and diagnose this disease. Using a variety of LC-MS, GC-MS and NMR metabolomics based methodologies, we have investigated tuberculosis from a variety of different perspectives, for the purpose of identifying new biomarkers which better explain the mechanisms related to drug resistance, virulence, growth and host-microbe interactions/adaptations. Furthermore, these biomarkers are also showing promise for the development of improved diagnostic approaches, not only for identifying TB complex, but also for detecting drug resistant strains, distinguishing various Mycobacterium species, and predicting treatment outcome.
Du Toit Loots currently heads the ??Infectious and Acquired Disease Metabolomics? unit at NWU, with a focus on new biomarker discovery for better characterizing and diagnosing diseases, TB in particular. He has, to date, contributed to a total of 68 publications: 60 of which are peer reviewed scientific manuscripts in top international journals, 4 chapters in books and 4 publications in non-peer reviewed popular magazines. He is currently International Editor for Journal of Cell and Tissue Research and has additionally registered 1 full patent, with application to TB diagnostics, and published a new synthesis method for NaFe(III)EDTA, a highly bioavailable form of iron for combating anaemia. In recognition of these efforts, he received a number of awards including the: International Nestle Nutrition Institute for Africa Research Award; Janssen-Cilag Award, International ARP Walker Research Award and International Scripps Centre for Integrative Medicine??s Research Award.
Pulmonary & Respiratory Medicine received 1690 citations as per Google Scholar report
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