Prof Nazir Ismail

Nazir Ismail is a South African clinical microbiologist and tuberculosis researcher associated with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases and the National Health Laboratory Service. His work spans molecular diagnostics, antimicrobial resistance surveillance, and translational research to strengthen tuberculosis control in high-burden settings. He collaborates widely with global partners and contributes to evidence informing international policy and guideline development.

His research focuses on drug-resistant tuberculosis, particularly the genomic and phenotypic characterization of resistance to first-line, second-line, and novel agents such as bedaquiline. Through machine learning, multivariable modeling, and whole-genome sequencing, he has advanced quantitative drug susceptibility testing and refined mutation catalogues that underpin rapid molecular diagnostics.

Beyond laboratory innovation, his work addresses implementation and public health impact, including cost-effectiveness of sequencing technologies, national antibiogram estimation, vaccine impact surveillance, and interventions to reduce loss to follow-up. Collectively, these contributions strengthen diagnostic accuracy, inform treatment strategies, and support evidence-based tuberculosis control in South Africa and globally.