A new test to quickly diagnose syphilis infections
Official title: An integrated multiplexed diagnostic assay targeting fusion lipoproteins and cardiolipin for detection of treponemal and nontreponemal antibodies in syphilis patients
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-11133184 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a quick and easy test for syphilis that can tell if you have an active infection or if you've been treated before, helping doctors make better treatment choices for you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | February 25, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $698,349 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI185115-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11133184 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals exhibiting symptoms of syphilis or those at high risk for syphilis infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have previously been treated for syphilis and do not exhibit current symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a rapid diagnostic test for syphilis that can detect both treponemal and nontreponemal antibodies. By integrating multiple diagnostic approaches, the test seeks to provide timely and accurate results that can inform treatment decisions. The methodology involves assessing blood serum samples for specific antibodies related to syphilis, which can help differentiate between active infections and past treatments. This innovative approach addresses the current limitations of existing tests that only detect treponemal antibodies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to faster and more accurate diagnoses of syphilis, improving patient outcomes and treatment management.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing rapid diagnostic tests for other infections, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pan, Dipanjan — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Pan, Dipanjan
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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.