A new study co-authored by CRE Investigator Prof Greg Fox and Prof Jan‑Willem C. Alffenaar demonstrates that a single saliva sample can reliably estimate plasma exposure to levofloxacin, a cornerstone antibiotic for treating multidrug‑resistant tuberculosis (MDR‑TB). Using paired plasma and saliva samples from 57 adults, the research team developed a validated population pharmacokinetic model showing that a 2‑hour post‑dose saliva sample accurately predicts the 24‑hour drug exposure (AUC₍₂₄₎). This non‑invasive approach offers a practical alternative to traditional blood‑based therapeutic drug monitoring, which is often challenging to implement in high‑burden and resource‑limited settings. The findings support more accessible, decentralised precision dosing for MDR‑TB care and may inform future updates to international treatment guidelines.

Read the full paper here.