Antibody Test for Early Leptospirosis Diagnosis
Official title: Antibody Detection for Diagnosis of Acute Leptospirosis
Funded at Luna Bioscience, INC. · NIH-11423693 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new antibody test is being developed to quickly detect leptospirosis so patients, including military personnel and travelers, can get treatment sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Luna Bioscience, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Westport, United States) |
| Project start | September 24, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $300,435 |
| NIH project number | 5R41AI188742-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11423693 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with suspected acute leptospirosis, including U.S. military personnel, travelers, and those with domestic exposure in subtropical areas.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-leptospira fevers or those already diagnosed and treated may not benefit from this test.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a solid-phase antibody-detection test that can be used in referral labs and at point-of-care settings to diagnose acute leptospirosis early. By focusing on antibodies to Leptospira, the test should help clinicians identify infection sooner and start targeted antibiotics, potentially preventing severe illness. The work is conducted by Luna Bioscience in Westport, with Carla Ellen DeVillers leading the effort over a two-year period beginning in 2025.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the test could enable faster, earlier treatment and reduce the risk of severe complications from leptospirosis.
How similar studies have gone: Early diagnostic antibodies for leptospirosis have shown promise in prior research, but rapid, point-of-care tests remain a unmet need.
Where this research is happening
-
Luna Bioscience, INC.
Westport, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Devillers, Carla Ellen — Luna Bioscience, INC.
- Study coordinator: Devillers, Carla Ellen
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Surrogate markers to predict protection from a human leptospirosis vaccine
A new program aims to create simple lab tests that predict whether a VM protein–based leptospirosis vaccine could protect people, using samples from vaccinated animals.
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Rapid diagnosis of leptospirosis using leptospiral VM protein detection
This study is working on a quick test to help doctors easily find out if someone has leptospirosis, a serious infection, so they can start treatment right away and avoid complications, especially in areas where this illness is common.
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Developing a vaccine to prevent leptospirosis
This study is working on a new vaccine to help protect people from leptospirosis, a serious illness caused by bacteria, and it’s for anyone who wants to help fight this disease and stay healthy.
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.