A Fast Test for CMV Infection in Newborns
Official title: Development of a High Throughput Assay for Rapid Screening of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection using Dried Blood Spots
Funded at Microgen, LLC · NIH-11133067 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project aims to create a quick and easy test to find cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in babies using their routine newborn blood spot samples.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Microgen, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Marque, United States) |
| Project start | June 10, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $944,183 |
| NIH project number | 5R44DC019890-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11133067 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is focused on developing a diagnostic tool that would benefit all newborns, especially those suspected of having congenital cytomegalovirus infection or those with unexplained hearing loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not newborns or who do not have concerns about congenital cytomegalovirus infection would not directly benefit from this specific diagnostic test development.
What this research studies
Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection is a leading cause of hearing loss in babies, which can significantly affect their language development. Early treatment with antiviral medicine can help improve outcomes, but it depends on getting a fast and accurate diagnosis. Currently, testing for cCMV using the dried blood spots collected at birth can be challenging and less sensitive than other methods. This project is developing a new, low-cost technology that can quickly and accurately detect cCMV from these dried blood spots, helping doctors make timely decisions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new test could allow for much earlier diagnosis of cCMV in newborns, leading to prompt treatment and potentially preventing or reducing hearing loss and developmental delays.
How similar studies have gone: While antiviral therapies for cCMV are known to be beneficial, this project focuses on developing a novel, more sensitive and rapid diagnostic platform for dried blood spots, addressing current limitations in early detection.
Where this research is happening
-
Microgen, LLC
La Marque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stowe, Raymond Preston — Microgen, LLC
- Study coordinator: Stowe, Raymond Preston
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Helping pregnant Latinas reduce stress and improve health for themselves and their babies
This study is looking at how a special program can help pregnant Mexican-American women manage stress and anxiety to have healthier pregnancies and babies.
-
Creating a quick test for congenital cytomegalovirus infection using dried blood samples
This study is working on a quick and cost-effective test to check for congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) in newborns using a small blood sample taken at birth, so that babies who need treatment can get it right away to help their language development.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.