Keertan Dheda

Professor Keertan Dheda is a globally recognized academic in tuberculosis (TB) research, holding joint appointments at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the University of Cape Town (UCT), where he directs the Centre for Lung Infection and Immunity. His career spans clinical training in respiratory medicine, a PhD from University College London (UCL), and decades of impactful research on TB detection, transmission, and prevention. He has pioneered active TB case-finding strategies, challenged assumptions about drug-resistant TB infectiousness, and developed novel diagnostic tools influencing WHO policies. His work also includes groundbreaking studies on TB immunopathogenesis through a first-in-human lung challenge model.

Education & Training:

• Bachelor’s degree from University of Witwatersrand (1992)
• Respiratory and General Internal Medicine training in London
• PhD in Mycobacteriology from UCL (2005) via a British Lung Foundation Fellowship

Research Focus: Dheda’s work integrates clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory research to address TB’s global burden. Key areas include improving diagnostics, understanding transmission dynamics, and advancing vaccine development through innovative models like the human lung challenge. His studies on drug-resistant TB have reshaped treatment protocols and infection control strategies.

Impact & Awards: His research has informed WHO guidelines and national health policies. Recognitions include the SA MRC Platinum Lifetime Achievement Award and EDCTP Scientific Leadership Award. He co-founded the charity Free of TB to advocate for patient care and research.

Teaching & Mentorship: He mentors students across UCT and LSHTM, co-training African PhD candidates and supervising postdoctoral researchers. His global collaborations span institutions in Africa, Europe, and Asia, focusing on capacity-building in TB research and diagnostics.

Labs & Initiatives: Leads the Centre for Lung Infection and Immunity (UCT) and collaborates with LSHTM’s Genomics and TB Immunology programs. His team holds major grants, including a UK MRC-funded project advancing TB vaccine development via human challenge models.