A new blood test to detect tuberculosis
A nanopore biosensor for leveling Mtb antigens in blood
This project is developing a new, easy-to-use blood test to quickly find tuberculosis and check how well treatment is working, especially for people who can't provide sputum samples.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10836554 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Current tuberculosis tests often require sputum or tissue samples, which can be difficult to obtain and may not always accurately detect the disease, especially in certain forms of TB. We are working to create a faster and simpler blood test that can accurately diagnose active tuberculosis and track how well treatment is progressing. Our team has already identified specific markers in the blood that indicate active TB, and we previously confirmed their effectiveness using advanced lab techniques. This project focuses on developing a new, easy-to-use device called a nanopore biosensor to detect these markers directly from a blood sample, making the test more accessible for diverse patient populations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for adults and children who may have active tuberculosis, including those with HIV or different forms of the disease.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have or are not suspected of having tuberculosis would not directly benefit from this specific diagnostic test.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new blood test could make diagnosing tuberculosis much quicker and easier, especially in areas with limited resources, and help doctors better monitor treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has successfully identified specific tuberculosis markers in blood, and this project builds on that success by developing a new, more accessible detection method.
Where this research is happening
New Orleans, United States
- Tulane University of Louisiana — New Orleans, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lyon, Christopher J — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Lyon, Christopher J
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 below.