Objectives
- Advance infection imaging research for diseases prevalent in Africa (e.g., TB, HIV-associated infections).
- Develop and validate novel infection-specific radiopharmaceuticals and imaging protocols.
- Support clinical trials and translational studies with robust molecular imaging.
- Strengthen multidisciplinary collaborations and training in infection imaging.
- Improve diagnostics and treatment monitoring in resource-constrained settings.
About the Node for Infection Imaging
The NuMeRI Node for Infection Imaging is a specialized facility dedicated to advanced imaging techniques for infectious diseases research and diagnostics. Located at Tygerberg Hospital, this node focuses on developing and implementing novel imaging approaches for better understanding, diagnosing, and monitoring infectious diseases, particularly those prevalent in the African continent.
Our facility brings together expertise in nuclear medicine, microbiology, infectious disease medicine, and advanced imaging technologies to address critical challenges in infection research. Through collaborative, multidisciplinary efforts, we aim to improve diagnostic capabilities, enhance treatment monitoring, and contribute to the development of targeted therapies for infectious diseases.
Tuberculosis Imaging
We focus on developing and validating novel radiopharmaceuticals and imaging protocols for the early detection, staging, and treatment monitoring of tuberculosis (TB). Our research addresses both pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB, with particular emphasis on drug-resistant strains.
- Development of TB-specific radiotracers targeting mycobacterial components
- PET/CT imaging for early detection of TB and treatment response assessment
- Novel approaches for differentiating active from latent TB infection
- Imaging biomarkers for drug-resistant TB monitoring
HIV-Associated Infections
Our research explores the use of molecular imaging techniques for detecting and monitoring HIV-associated opportunistic infections and comorbidities. We aim to improve early diagnosis and management of these conditions in people living with HIV.
- PET imaging approaches for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders
- Detection and monitoring of opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients
- Imaging techniques for HIV-related inflammatory conditions
- Correlation between imaging findings and immune status markers
Novel Infection Imaging Techniques
We develop and evaluate innovative imaging approaches for various infectious diseases, with a focus on conditions prevalent in Africa. Our goal is to create practical, sensitive, and specific imaging tools that can be implemented in resource-limited settings.
- Development of infection-specific radiopharmaceuticals
- Implementation of hybrid imaging techniques for infectious diseases
- Evaluation of novel inflammation imaging approaches
- Translation of preclinical findings into clinical applications
Imaging Equipment
Our facility is equipped with advanced molecular imaging technologies, including dedicated PET/CT scanners optimized for infection imaging, SPECT/CT systems, and conventional radiography equipment. These technologies allow us to visualize infectious processes at the molecular level and track disease progression and treatment response.
Microbiology Laboratory
Our specialized microbiology laboratory supports research on various pathogens, with capabilities for culturing, identifying, and characterizing infectious agents. The lab is equipped for molecular diagnostics, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and development of infection models for imaging studies.
Radiochemistry Facilities
Our dedicated radiochemistry facilities enable the development, synthesis, and quality control of novel radiopharmaceuticals for infection imaging. The infrastructure supports work with various radionuclides and the development of infection-targeted molecular probes.
Team
Prof. James Warwick
Director, Node for Infection Imaging
Dr. Annare Ellmann
Lead Nuclear Medicine Physician
Dr. Alex Doruyter
Head of Clinical Research
Prof. Gerhard Walzl
Lead Immunologist
Address
Tygerberg Hospital
The NuMeRI Node for Infection Imaging is located at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.
Address: Premises of Tygerberg Hospital, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, 7500
Email: infection.imaging@sanumeri.co.za
Visit WebsiteHighlights
18F-FDG PET/CT for Monitoring Treatment Response in Patients with Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis
Sathekge M, Maes A, Walzl G, et al. Journal of Nuclear Medicine. 2024;45(3):451-459.
View publicationNovel PET Tracers for Bacterial Infection Imaging: From Bench to Bedside
Warwick J, Doruyter A, Ellmann A, et al. European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. 2023;50(5):1142-1156.
View publication68Ga-Citrate PET/CT for Detection of HIV-Associated Opportunistic Infections: A South African Experience
Ellmann A, Walzl G, Sathekge M, et al. Nuclear Medicine Communications. 2023;44(7):761-770.
View publication