A new method to quickly test gonorrhea for antibiotic resistance
Official title: Single-cell based diagnostic platform with single-molecular transcriptional response profiling for rapid phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing of gonorrhea
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11118824 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a quick test that helps doctors see how the gonorrhea bacteria react to different antibiotics at the level of individual cells, so they can choose the best treatment faster and tackle the issue of antibiotic resistance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | June 17, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $781,097 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI181217-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11118824 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with gonorrhea who require timely and effective treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have gonorrhea or those whose infections are not caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a rapid diagnostic platform that can identify how Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria causing gonorrhea, responds to various antibiotics at the single-cell level. By profiling the transcriptional responses of individual cells, the goal is to provide timely information on antimicrobial susceptibility, which is crucial for effective treatment. This approach aims to address the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance by allowing healthcare providers to make informed decisions about antibiotic prescriptions much faster than current methods. The research seeks to bridge the gap created by the shift towards nucleic acid amplification tests, which do not provide susceptibility data.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatment options for patients with gonorrhea, reducing the risk of complications and the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing, but this specific approach using single-cell profiling is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Tza-Huei Jeff — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Wang, Tza-Huei Jeff
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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.