A new method for diagnosing infections in the central nervous system.
Official title: Gigapixel Next-Generation-Sequencing: An Ultra-Sensitive Diagnostic for Infections of the CNS
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10989913 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new tool to help doctors quickly and accurately find infections in the brain and spinal cord, so they can better understand and treat these illnesses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $610,589 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI178795-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-10989913 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing symptoms of central nervous system infections, such as bacterial meningitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections not affecting the central nervous system or those who do not exhibit symptoms of infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a cutting-edge diagnostic tool called Gigapixel Next-Generation Sequencing (gNGS) to accurately identify infections affecting the central nervous system. By utilizing advanced sequencing technology, the study aims to quickly and sensitively detect infectious pathogens from patient samples. The approach involves isolating and sequencing pathogen genomes, which can help in understanding the specific infections and their resistance to treatments. Collaborating with experts in infectious disease diagnostics, the research seeks to create practical clinical workflows that can be implemented in healthcare settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to faster and more accurate diagnoses of central nervous system infections, improving treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced sequencing technologies for infectious disease diagnostics, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abate, Adam R. — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Abate, Adam R.
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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.