A quick test for Babesia and Lyme disease
A point of care vertical flow assay for the direct detection of Babesia microti and the serodiagnosis of Lyme disease.
This project is creating a fast, easy-to-use test to find Babesia parasites and Lyme disease antibodies directly from a patient's sample.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Biopeptides, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ridgefield, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11127611 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Babesia is a parasite spread by the same ticks that carry Lyme disease, and it can cause serious illness, especially in those with weakened immune systems or without a spleen. Currently, it's hard to diagnose Babesia, and it often occurs alongside Lyme disease, making treatment more complicated since different medications are needed for each. This new test aims to quickly identify both Babesia infection and past exposure to Lyme disease, even in young children or older adults who are at higher risk for severe illness. By getting results quickly, doctors can start the right treatments sooner, which is especially important for preventing severe outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant to individuals who may have been exposed to tick bites, especially those with weakened immune systems, without a spleen, over 50 years old, or young children, as well as transfusion recipients.
Not a fit: Patients who have already received a confirmed diagnosis and treatment for Babesiosis or Lyme disease may not directly benefit from this diagnostic development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this test could lead to faster and more accurate diagnosis of Babesiosis and Lyme disease, allowing for earlier and more effective treatment.
How similar studies have performed: While existing tests for these diseases are available, this project aims to develop a novel, rapid, point-of-care test that could offer significant advantages in speed and ease of use.
Where this research is happening
Ridgefield, UNITED STATES
- Biopeptides, INC. — Ridgefield, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dattwyler, Raymond James — Biopeptides, INC.
- Study coordinator: Dattwyler, Raymond James
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.