A new test for detecting gonorrhea using advanced technology.
Official title: Ultrasensitive Point of Care Antigen Test for Detection of Neisseria Gonorrhoeae Using Plasmonic Flours
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10891640 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a quick and easy test for gonorrhea that can give accurate results right where you are, using urine samples, so it’s especially helpful for people in places where regular testing isn’t available.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $201,208 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178217-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10891640 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are suspected of having a gonorrhea infection and can provide urine samples for testing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been diagnosed and treated for gonorrhea may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a highly sensitive and rapid antigen test for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria responsible for gonorrhea. By utilizing innovative plasmonic-fluors technology, the test seeks to provide accurate results at the point-of-care, making it accessible even in resource-limited settings. The study will involve optimizing the test for urine samples and comparing its accuracy against the current gold standard tests. This approach could significantly improve the diagnosis of gonorrhea, especially in areas where traditional testing methods are not feasible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more accurate and accessible method for diagnosing gonorrhea, improving patient outcomes and public health responses.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing rapid diagnostic tests for sexually transmitted infections, but this specific approach using plasmonic-fluors is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gandra, Sumanth — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Gandra, Sumanth
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Using MRI to measure brain oxygen levels as an early sign of small vessel disease in the brain
This study is looking at how measuring oxygen levels in the brain with MRI can help spot early signs of small vessel disease, which is linked to memory problems and dementia, especially Alzheimer's, so if you're at risk due to age or high blood pressure, you might be able to participate in MRI scans to learn more about
-
Advanced Methods & Modeling for Better Patient Care
A funding opportunity focused on developing new modeling methods to improve health care for patients through better data use and analytics.
-
Advanced methods and modeling for health research at Washington University
A health research grant at Washington University funds new modeling methods to support future patient-focused studies.
-
Center for Research in Emerging Infectious Diseases: Epidemiology, Surveillance and Pathogenesis
A NIH program will study and monitor emerging viruses from the Midwest U.S. and three Asian sites to understand how they spread and affect people.
-
How Poverty and the Environment Affect Heart Disease in Haiti and Beyond
This grant studies how poverty-related factors like food insecurity, stress, and pollution contribute to heart disease and aims to follow a large group of adults to better understand and prevent the disease.
-
Wearable tech to track blood loss during childbirth
A wearable device monitors cardiovascular signals to detect postpartum hemorrhage early so clinicians can act quickly to protect mothers.
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.