Isabel Cuella Martin

Isabel Cuella Martin is a tuberculosis researcher at the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp specializing in Mycobacterium tuberculosis diagnostics and drug resistance. Her work focuses on improving diagnostic accuracy for rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis in high-burden settings including Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo through active collaboration with local institutes.

Her research interests center on antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, novel drug susceptibility testing methodologies, and diagnostic validation in resource-limited environments. Current projects include developing bedaquiline-susceptibility testing protocols compatible with BSL2 laboratories and investigating discordant Xpert MTB/RIF results in paucibacillary tuberculosis cases.

Recent publications demonstrate expertise in tuberculosis diagnostics with emphasis on Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra limitations in low-prevalence settings, linezolid/delamanid resistance patterns, and safety protocols for high-dose amikacin. Her work bridges laboratory science with field implementation to address critical gaps in tuberculosis control programs.

She serves as principal investigator for the PhD project 'Curbing rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis in Rwanda and beyond' (2021-2025) and contributes to the FA5 RWANDA development initiative (2022-2026) aimed at strengthening infectious disease prevention systems across Rwandan institutions.

Affiliated with the Department of Mycobacteriology at ITM Antwerp, she collaborates extensively with researchers in East Africa including institutions in Rwanda, Bukavu, and South Kivu. Her work receives funding from the Directorate-General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid for projects targeting neglected diseases and vulnerable populations.