Better diagnosis and brain health for people with HIV meningitis
Improving Diagnostics and Neurocognitive Outcomes in HIV/AIDS-related Meningitis
This project tries faster tests and a new oral antifungal to help adults with HIV who develop meningitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11383982 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have HIV and come to hospital with possible meningitis in Uganda, researchers will enroll you in a long-term study following over 1,000 people. They will use rapid point-of-care and molecular tests, including a semi-quantitative cryptococcal antigen lateral-flow assay (CrAg-SQ) and an Xpert-HR host-response signature to identify cryptococcal, TB, and other causes. Separately, the team will run a randomized phase II proof-of-concept trial of a new oral antifungal, oteseconazole, to see how well it clears cryptococcal infection. The study will also track survival and long-term thinking/brain function to see whether faster diagnosis and better treatment improve neurocognitive outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults living with HIV who present with suspected central nervous system infection or meningitis at participating hospitals (primarily in Uganda) are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without HIV, children, those with non-infectious neurological conditions, or anyone unable to access participating sites are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to faster, more accurate diagnosis and better treatments that reduce deaths and long-term brain problems from HIV-related meningitis.
How similar studies have performed: Rapid cryptococcal antigen tests and molecular TB diagnostics have improved meningitis diagnosis previously, but using a semi-quantitative CrAg-SQ and oral oteseconazole in cryptococcosis is relatively new and less tested.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boulware, David R — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Boulware, David R
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.