A test to detect all types of Chagas disease infections.
Official title: Serological test for detecting all geographical variances of Trypanosoma cruzi infection
Funded at Rice University · NIH-10768540 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a better blood test for Chagas disease to help doctors accurately diagnose it, no matter where the parasite comes from, so that patients can get the right treatment and feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rice University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $190,621 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI171477-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10768540 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who may have been exposed to Trypanosoma cruzi, particularly those from or living in endemic regions of Latin America.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to Trypanosoma cruzi or those with other unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the diagnosis of Chagas disease, which is caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite and can lead to severe health issues if left untreated. The project aims to develop a more accurate serological test that can detect various geographical strains of the parasite, addressing the limitations of current testing methods that often yield inconclusive results. By utilizing advanced techniques, the researchers hope to create a reliable assay that can be used for both acute and chronic phases of the disease, ultimately improving patient outcomes. This work is particularly important as Chagas disease is increasingly recognized in the United States, where accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and reliable diagnosis of Chagas disease, allowing for timely treatment and better health outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that improving serological testing methods can enhance the diagnosis of infectious diseases, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Rice University
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lillehoj, Peter B — Rice University
- Study coordinator: Lillehoj, Peter B
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.