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Luke Davis, MD

Associate Professor of Epidemiology (Microbial Diseases) and of Medicine (Pulmonary); Affiliated Faculty, Yale Institute for Global Health

Research Summary

My research is based in Uganda and uses translational methods to improve TB diagnosis and evaluation in high-burden, resource-constrained settings. Ongoing projects span two general areas: 1) discovery and validation of TB biomarkers using novel biotechnologies, and 2) translation of evidence-based TB diagnostic strategies into practice using implementation science through the Uganda TB Implementation Research Consortium (www.u-tirc.org). Training and capacity-building are an important aspect of my research activities, through the Fogarty Pulmonary Complications of AIDS Research-Training Program at Makerere University and Walimu (www.walimu.org), a non-profit that uses implementation science to improve care of severe acute illness in Uganda and other low-income countries.

Extensive Research Description

Current Projects:

Uganda

HIV-TB Household Contact Investigation in Kampala, Uganda – In collaboration with the Uganda TB Implementation Research Consortium (U-TIRC), we are carrying out two, separately NIH-funded randomized controlled trials, a community-based stepped wedge RCT, one evaluating a novel human-centered design informed strategy for household TB contact investigation, and the other a behaviorally-informed strategy design to reduce household HIV-TB stigma - and promote uptake of HIV testing funded by the National Institutes of Health NIH, revealed major barriers to uptake of household contact investigation.

Expression in HIV and Tuberculosis (eHAT) – In collaboration with collaborators at the University of Colorado and Stanford University, and the University of California San Francisco, we using novel host- and pathogen-targeted gene-expression profiling platforms to develop better biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and developmental models of the response to TB treatment in Haiti, Kenya, Peru, South Africa, Uganda, and Vietnam.

Xpert Omni Performance Evaluation for Linkage to Tuberculosis Care (XPEL TB) – In collaboration with colleagues from the University of California San Francisco, the Uganda TB Implementation Research Consortium recently completed a cluster-randomized trial showing that on-site TB testing using Xpert MTB Ultra devices increases the number of timely TB diagnoses and treatment initiations compared to widely used specimen-referral models.

Theory-informed Education and Counseling for HIV-TB (TEACH) - With support from the Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, we have recently completed a pre-post implementation study demonstrating that a structured, behaviorally informed TB education and counseling strategy using peer educators is superior to routine TB education and counseling among TB patients living with and without HIV in Kampala, Uganda.

Quality of Routine TB Diagnosis and Treatment in Kampala, Uganda - In collaboration with the Uganda TB Implementation Research Consortium (U-TIRC) and the Uganda National TB and Leprosy Programme (NTLP), we are developing a novel methodology for evaluating the quality of routine TB services using aggregated surveillance reporting data.

Implementation Science to Address Non-communicable Diseases in Uganda - In collaboration with the Uganda Initiative for Noncommunicable Diseases and the Uganda Heart Institute, we are evaluating digital health and other behaviorally informed approaches to improve the quality of care and self-management of hypertension and heart failure in Uganda.

Colombia

Cali TB Contact Investigation Project - In collaboration with CIDEIM, the Cali Secretary of Health, Universidad Icesi, and Alianza TB, and with funding from Colciencias, we have identified barriers to household TB contract investigation in the City of Cali and are developing a novel design-thinking informed intervention for improving community-based active case-finding in Cali.

Mongolia

Mongolia Zero TB Initiative (ZTBI) - In collaboration with the Mongolia Health Initiative (MHI), the Yale Center for Methods in Implementation and Prevention Sciences (CMIPS) is evaluating the quality of routine TB care in four districts in Mongolia using the Zero TB Framework, an integrated approach to modeling the TB cascade.

South Africa

Addressing Stigma as a barrier to household HIV-TB Case Finding - In collaboration with the Aurum Institute and with funding from the Yale Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS (CIRA), we are evaluating barriers to household HIV and TB case finding in Gauteng Province, South Africa.

Connecticut, USA

COVID-19 Contact Tracing - In collaboration with the New Haven Health Department and with support from the Yale School of Public Health Dean's COVID-19 Emergency Research Fund, we are carrying out a comprehensive mixed-methods analysis of COVID-19 contact tracing to improve the quality of the emergency public health response.

Coauthors

Research Interests

Critical Care; Tuberculosis; Global Health; Mobile Applications; COVID-19

Public Health Interests

Global Health; Health Care Quality, Efficiency; Infectious Diseases; Respiratory Disease/Infections; COVID-19

Research Image

Selected Publications

  • Is aggregated surveillance data a reliable method for constructing tuberculosis care cascades? A secondary data analysis from UgandaWhite E, Hernández-Ramírez R, Majwala R, Nalugwa T, Reza T, Cattamanchi A, Katamba A, Davis J. Is aggregated surveillance data a reliable method for constructing tuberculosis care cascades? A secondary data analysis from Uganda PLOS Global Public Health 2022, 2: e0000716. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000716.
  • Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the General Self-Efficacy Scale in Ugandan Community Health WorkersHennein R, Nanziri L, Musinguzi J, Ggita J, Turimumahoro P, Ochom E, Gupta A, Halder A, Katamba A, White M, Pietrzak R, Armstrong-Hough M, Davis J. Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the General Self-Efficacy Scale in Ugandan Community Health Workers Global Implementation Research And Applications 2022, 2: 371-383. DOI: 10.1007/s43477-022-00064-1.
  • PATIENT-FACING MHEALTH APPLICATION IMPROVES SELF-CARE AND SYMPTOMS OF HEART FAILURE IN UGANDASchwartz J, Wali S, Nabadda M, Muhangi C, Akiteng A, Wang K, Gillman R, Davis J, Kibalizi E, Sewankambo N, Lwabi P, Nalwadda C, Ross H, Cafazzo J, Ssinabulya I. PATIENT-FACING MHEALTH APPLICATION IMPROVES SELF-CARE AND SYMPTOMS OF HEART FAILURE IN UGANDA Journal Of The American College Of Cardiology 2022, 79: 1820. DOI: 10.1016/s0735-1097(22)02811-x.
  • A Cost Analysis of Implementing Mobile-Health Facilitated Tuberculosis Contact Investigation in a Low Income SettingTurimumahoro P, Tucker A, Meyer A, Tampi R, Babirye D, Ochom E, Ggita J, Ayakaka I, Hojoon S, Katamba A, David D, Davis J. A Cost Analysis of Implementing Mobile-Health Facilitated Tuberculosis Contact Investigation in a Low Income Setting 2021, a1722-a1722. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2021.203.1_meetingabstracts.a1722.
  • Evaluating the Quality of Tuberculosis (TB) Care in Low and Middle Income CountriesSaranjav A, Saranjav A, Parisi C, Parisi C, Zhou X, Chuluun A, Chuluun A, Spiegelman D, Davaasambuu G, Davaasambuu G, Davis J. Evaluating the Quality of Tuberculosis (TB) Care in Low and Middle Income Countries 2021, a3917-a3917. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2021.203.1_meetingabstracts.a3917.
  • Organizational Readiness to Deliver Household TB Contact Investigation in Uganda: A Survey of Health FacilitiesJohnson A, Turimumahoro P, Ochom E, Meyer A, Ggita J, Armstrong-Hough M, Katamba A, Davis J. Organizational Readiness to Deliver Household TB Contact Investigation in Uganda: A Survey of Health Facilities 2021, a3924-a3924. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2021.203.1_meetingabstracts.a3924.
  • Identifying the Functional Components of a Community of Practice to Improve Tuberculosis Contact Investigation in UgandaHennein R, Ggita J, Turimumahoro P, Ochom E, Meyer A, Armstrong-Hough M, Katamba A, Davis J. Identifying the Functional Components of a Community of Practice to Improve Tuberculosis Contact Investigation in Uganda 2021, a3925-a3925. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2021.203.1_meetingabstracts.a3925.
  • Comparability of Two Methods for Collecting Programmatic Tuberculosis Data for Quality Improvement in UgandaWhite E, Hernandez-Ramirez R, Majwala R, Etwom A, Quinto E, Nalugwa T, Reza T, Cattamanchi A, Katamba A, Davis J. Comparability of Two Methods for Collecting Programmatic Tuberculosis Data for Quality Improvement in Uganda 2021, a3922-a3922. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2021.203.1_meetingabstracts.a3922.
  • Efficacy of a Peer-Led Intervention to Deliver Tuberculosis Education and Counseling in Kampala, Uganda: A Prospective Cohort StudyBaker A, Meyer A, Nanziri L, Ggita J, Ayakaka I, Armstrong-Hough M, Katamba A, Davis J. Efficacy of a Peer-Led Intervention to Deliver Tuberculosis Education and Counseling in Kampala, Uganda: A Prospective Cohort Study 2021, a3923-a3923. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2021.203.1_meetingabstracts.a3923.
  • Diagnosis of Active Pulmonary TuberculosisDavis J. Diagnosis of Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis 2020, 115-128. DOI: 10.1201/9781351249980-7.
  • Diagnostic Accuracy of C-Reactive Protein for Active TB in Adults Without HIV: A Cross-Sectional StudyDavis J, Meyer A, Ochom E, Byanyima P, Cattamanchi A, Worodria W, Huang L. Diagnostic Accuracy of C-Reactive Protein for Active TB in Adults Without HIV: A Cross-Sectional Study 2019, a5182-a5182. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2019.199.1_meetingabstracts.a5182.
  • Late Breaking Abstract - The tuberculosis diagnostic evaluation cascade of care at microscopy centers linked to Xpert MTB/RIF hubs in UgandaFarr K, Nalugwa T, Shete P, Cattamanchi A, Nantale M, Ojok C, Oyuku D, Nabwire S, Fielding K, Joloba M, Mugabe F, Dowdy D, Moore D, Davis J, Katamba A. Late Breaking Abstract - The tuberculosis diagnostic evaluation cascade of care at microscopy centers linked to Xpert MTB/RIF hubs in Uganda 2017, oa1943. DOI: 10.1183/1393003.congress-2017.oa1943.
  • 16 History and Physical ExaminationDavis J, Murray J. 16 History and Physical Examination 2015, 263-277.e2. PMCID: PMC7152492, DOI: 10.1016/b978-1-4557-3383-5.00016-6.
  • Mycobacterium Tuberculosis And The Airway Microbiota In A Cohort Of Ugandan HIV-Infected PatientsIwai S, Huang D, Fong S, Worodria W, Yoo S, Boon S, Cattamanchi A, Davis J, Huang L, Lynch S. Mycobacterium Tuberculosis And The Airway Microbiota In A Cohort Of Ugandan HIV-Infected Patients 2012, a3268-a3268. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2012.185.1_meetingabstracts.a3268.
  • Procalcitonin Is Associated With Increased In-Hospital Mortality In A Ugandan Cohort With Pneumonia And High Prevalence Of HIVTokman S, Barnett C, Jarlsberg L, Taub P, Boon S, Davis J, Cattamanchi A, Worodria W, Byanyima P, Maisel A, Huang L. Procalcitonin Is Associated With Increased In-Hospital Mortality In A Ugandan Cohort With Pneumonia And High Prevalence Of HIV 2012, a4049-a4049. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2012.185.1_meetingabstracts.a4049.
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis Of GeneXpert MTB/RIF For Evaluation Of Infectious Tuberculosis At An Urban Public HospitalMillman A, Dowdy D, Brownell R, Cattamanchi A, Davis J. Cost-Benefit Analysis Of GeneXpert MTB/RIF For Evaluation Of Infectious Tuberculosis At An Urban Public Hospital 2012, a6505-a6505. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2012.185.1_meetingabstracts.a6505.
  • Impact Of The Reference Standard On The Diagnostic Accuracy Of Molecular Tests For TuberculosisMiller C, Cattamanchi A, Worodria W, Huang L, Davis J. Impact Of The Reference Standard On The Diagnostic Accuracy Of Molecular Tests For Tuberculosis 2012, a4712-a4712. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2012.185.1_meetingabstracts.a4712.
  • Vitamin D Deficiency Correlates To CXR Abnormalities In Ugandan TB PatientsYoon C, Jarlsberg L, Cattamanchi A, Davis J, Worodria W, Huang L. Vitamin D Deficiency Correlates To CXR Abnormalities In Ugandan TB Patients 2012, a4713-a4713. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2012.185.1_meetingabstracts.a4713.
  • Empiric TB Treatment Of HIV-Infected Smear-Negative TB Suspects With Danger Signs Improves SurvivalKatagira W, Walter N, Boon S, Cattamanchi A, Kalema N, Ayakaka I, Worodria W, Huang L, Davis J. Empiric TB Treatment Of HIV-Infected Smear-Negative TB Suspects With Danger Signs Improves Survival 2012, a2328-a2328. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2012.185.1_meetingabstracts.a2328.
  • Role Of Xpert MTB/RIF In Diagnostic Algorithms For Pulmonary Tuberculosis In Low-Income CountriesEverett C, Huang L, Miller C, Worodria W, Davis J, Cattamanchi A. Role Of Xpert MTB/RIF In Diagnostic Algorithms For Pulmonary Tuberculosis In Low-Income Countries 2012, a6509-a6509. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2012.185.1_meetingabstracts.a6509.
  • Using Geographic Analysis To Investigate Barriers To TB Evaluation In UgandaRoss J, Cattamanchi A, Miller C, Katamba A, Davis J. Using Geographic Analysis To Investigate Barriers To TB Evaluation In Uganda 2012, a3326-a3326. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2012.185.1_meetingabstracts.a3326.
  • Chapter 24 Pneumocystis pneumoniaBlount R, Davis J, Huang L. Chapter 24 Pneumocystis pneumonia 2012, 297-312. DOI: 10.1016/b978-1-4557-0695-2.00024-9.
  • Prevalence And Outcomes Of Cryptococcal Co-Infection In HIV Sero-Positive Patients With Suspected Pneumonia At Mulago Hospital Using Serum Cryptococcal Antigen (CRAG) TestingAndama A, Boon S, Meya D, Cattamanchi A, Worodria W, Davis J, Walter N, Yoo S, Haller B, Huang L. Prevalence And Outcomes Of Cryptococcal Co-Infection In HIV Sero-Positive Patients With Suspected Pneumonia At Mulago Hospital Using Serum Cryptococcal Antigen (CRAG) Testing 2011, a4148-a4148. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2011.183.1_meetingabstracts.a4148.
  • Oral Anti-Microbial Rinse Before Sputum Collection Reduces Culture Contamination, But Also Smear And Culture Positivity For Mycobacterium TuberculosisKalema N, Boon S, Davis J, Cattamanchi A, Walter N, Andama A, Worodria W, Huang L. Oral Anti-Microbial Rinse Before Sputum Collection Reduces Culture Contamination, But Also Smear And Culture Positivity For Mycobacterium Tuberculosis 2011, a1206-a1206. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2011.183.1_meetingabstracts.a1206.
  • Interactions Between Host And Pathogen Gene Expression Among Ugandan Patients With Pulmonary TuberculosisWalter N, Davis J, Dolganov G, Strong M, Andama A, Meadows C, Boon S, Worodria W, Cattamanchi A, Daley C, Huang L, Schoolnik G, Geraci M. Interactions Between Host And Pathogen Gene Expression Among Ugandan Patients With Pulmonary Tuberculosis 2011, a4879-a4879. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2011.183.1_meetingabstracts.a4879.
  • Serologic Response To Recombinant Pneumocystis Jirovecii Major Surface Antigen In A Ugandan CohortBlount R, Jarlsberg L, Daly K, Worodria W, Djawe K, Davis J, Cattamanchi A, Boon S, Koch J, Walzer P, Huang L. Serologic Response To Recombinant Pneumocystis Jirovecii Major Surface Antigen In A Ugandan Cohort 2011, a4142-a4142. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2011.183.1_meetingabstracts.a4142.
  • Performance Of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Enzyme-Linked Immunospot For Diagnosis Of Smear-Negative Tuberculosis In Hiv-Infected PatientsCattamanchi A, Ssewanyana I, Magala R, Miller C, Boon S, Davis J, Worodria W, Huang L, Cao H. Performance Of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Enzyme-Linked Immunospot For Diagnosis Of Smear-Negative Tuberculosis In Hiv-Infected Patients 2011, a1202-a1202. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2011.183.1_meetingabstracts.a1202.
  • Prevalence Of Viral Infections In HIV-Infected Individuals With Opportunistic Pneumonia In Kampala, UgandaRoubinian N, Huang L, Chen E, Worodria W, Yoo S, Huang D, Fong S, Kim E, Boon S, Cattamanchi A, Davis J, Lynch S, Chiu C. Prevalence Of Viral Infections In HIV-Infected Individuals With Opportunistic Pneumonia In Kampala, Uganda 2011, a6255-a6255. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2011.183.1_meetingabstracts.a6255.
  • The Clinical And Public Health Impact Of Automated Nucleic Acid Testing For TB Evaluation In San FranciscoDavis J, Ho C, Cattamanchi A, Grinsdale J, Metcalfe J, Pandori M, Banouvong H, Babst A, Carlson J, Hopewell P, Kawamura L. The Clinical And Public Health Impact Of Automated Nucleic Acid Testing For TB Evaluation In San Francisco 2011, a5314-a5314. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2011.183.1_meetingabstracts.a5314.
  • Tuberculosis Evaluation And Management In District Health Centers In Rural UgandaDavis J, Worodria W, Vasquez J, Crawford E, Boon S, Bukirwa H, Gasasira A, Katamba A, Cattamanchi A. Tuberculosis Evaluation And Management In District Health Centers In Rural Uganda 2010, a1767-a1767. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2010.181.1_meetingabstracts.a1767.
  • Impact Of Patient Drop-out On The Effective Sensitivity Of Smear Microscopy StrategiesBoon S, Semitala F, Cattamanchi A, Walter N, Worodria W, Joloba M, Huang L, Davis J. Impact Of Patient Drop-out On The Effective Sensitivity Of Smear Microscopy Strategies 2010, a2258-a2258. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2010.181.1_meetingabstracts.a2258.
  • Clinical Significance Of Normal Chest Radiographs Among HIV-infected TB Suspects In UgandaYoo S, Worodria W, Kisembo H, Davis J, Kyeyune R, Kalema N, Kampiire L, Boon S, Cattamanchi A, Huang L. Clinical Significance Of Normal Chest Radiographs Among HIV-infected TB Suspects In Uganda 2010, a5197-a5197. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2010.181.1_meetingabstracts.a5197.
  • Single-specimen Microscopy: An Approach To Same-Day Diagnosis Of Pulmonary Tuberculosis In Low-Income CountriesCattamanchi A, Davis J, Worodria W, Boon S, Byanyima P, Kaswabuli S, Kiidha J, Joloba M, Hopewell P, Huang L. Single-specimen Microscopy: An Approach To Same-Day Diagnosis Of Pulmonary Tuberculosis In Low-Income Countries 2010, a1788-a1788. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2010.181.1_meetingabstracts.a1788.
  • Low Prevalence Of Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP) But High Prevalence Of Pneumocystis Dihydropteroate Synthase (DHPS) Gene Mutations In HIV-Infected Persons In UgandaHuang L, Taylor S, Worodria W, Jarlsberg L, Davis J, Cattamanchi A, Yoo S, Andama A, Boon S, Kyeyune R, Meshnick S. Low Prevalence Of Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP) But High Prevalence Of Pneumocystis Dihydropteroate Synthase (DHPS) Gene Mutations In HIV-Infected Persons In Uganda 2010, a5212-a5212. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2010.181.1_meetingabstracts.a5212.
  • Performance Of LED Fluorescence Microscopy For The Diagnosis Of Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Preliminary Results From The Uganda National Reference LaboratoryEverett C, Cattamanchi A, Davis J, Worodria W, Boon S, Andama A, Yoo S, Joloba M, Hopewell P, Huang L. Performance Of LED Fluorescence Microscopy For The Diagnosis Of Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Preliminary Results From The Uganda National Reference Laboratory 2010, a1769-a1769. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2010.181.1_meetingabstracts.a1769.
  • Performance of Radiographic Findings for Diagnosis of Tuberculosis in Smear-Negative Adults in Uganda.Powell K, Kisembo H, Kawooya M, Okello R, Davis J, Cattamanchi A, Worodria W, Yoo S, Boon S, Huang L. Performance of Radiographic Findings for Diagnosis of Tuberculosis in Smear-Negative Adults in Uganda. 2009, a2602. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2009.179.1_meetingabstracts.a2602.
  • Sensitivity of Direct Versus Concentrated Sputum Smear Microscopy in HIV-Infected Persons Suspected of Having Pulmonary Tuberculosis.Cattamanchi A, Dowdy D, Davis J, Worodria W, Yoo S, Joloba M, Hopewell P, Huang L. Sensitivity of Direct Versus Concentrated Sputum Smear Microscopy in HIV-Infected Persons Suspected of Having Pulmonary Tuberculosis. 2009, a2595. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2009.179.1_meetingabstracts.a2595.
  • HIV-Associated Cryptococcal Pneumonia in Uganda.Yoo S, Davis J, Cattamanchi A, Worodria W, Boon S, Kyeyune R, Nankya F, Huang L. HIV-Associated Cryptococcal Pneumonia in Uganda. 2009, a2284. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2009.179.1_meetingabstracts.a2284.
  • Bronchoscopy for Diagnosis of HIV-Associated Pulmonary Disease in Uganda.Worodria W, Davis J, Cattamanchi A, Yoo S, Boon S, Huang L. Bronchoscopy for Diagnosis of HIV-Associated Pulmonary Disease in Uganda. 2009, a2596. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2009.179.1_meetingabstracts.a2596.
  • Choice of Gold Standard in TB Diagnostics Studies Biases Measures of Performance.Davis J, Cattamanchi A, Worodria W, Yoo S, Boon S, Hopewell P, Huang L. Choice of Gold Standard in TB Diagnostics Studies Biases Measures of Performance. 2009, a2594. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2009.179.1_meetingabstracts.a2594.
  • CHAPTER 29 Pneumocystis PneumoniaDavis J, Huang L. CHAPTER 29 Pneumocystis Pneumonia 2008, 309-321. DOI: 10.1016/b978-1-4160-2882-6.50033-2.