A new blood test to detect active tuberculosis disease.

Detecting active tuberculosis disease: a blood-based Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen detection asssay

NIH-funded research University of California, San Diego · NIH-11112439

This study is working on a quick and reliable blood test to help diagnose active tuberculosis (TB) in people living with HIV, making it easier to find and treat the disease sooner.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-11112439 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a rapid and accurate blood-based test to diagnose active tuberculosis (TB) disease, particularly in individuals living with HIV. Current diagnostic methods are often sputum-based and may not effectively identify TB in patients with less common forms of the disease. By detecting a specific antigen associated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis in blood samples, the study aims to provide a more accessible and sensitive diagnostic tool. This could significantly reduce delays in treatment and improve health outcomes for affected individuals.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who may be at risk for active tuberculosis disease.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have HIV or are not at risk for tuberculosis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective and timely diagnosis of tuberculosis, particularly for those living with HIV.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been advancements in diagnostic methods for tuberculosis, this specific approach using blood-based antigen detection is relatively novel and untested.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.