Blood test that finds TB signals on tiny particles for children
Detecting pathogen and host factors on extracellular vesicles for pediatric TB diagnosis and management
This project is developing a simple blood test that looks for tuberculosis and immune signals on tiny particles to help diagnose and monitor TB in children, including very young kids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11395457 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would give a small blood sample that the team checks for tuberculosis proteins and immune markers carried on extracellular vesicles — tiny particles released into the blood. They use a nanoparticle-enhanced immunoassay read by an inexpensive portable device to spot these low-level signals that sputum tests often miss in young children. The approach aims to diagnose TB without needing sputum and to track treatment response over time with repeat blood draws. Early versions of this test have shown promise and received FDA breakthrough device status while additional validation is completed.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children suspected of having tuberculosis—especially infants and toddlers under 5 or those with extrapulmonary or disseminated disease—who can provide a small blood sample are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without TB or patients whose diagnosis is already clear from sputum-based tests may not see direct benefit from this pediatric-focused blood test.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could allow earlier, easier, and more reliable TB diagnosis and treatment monitoring for young children using a small blood sample.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work by this team detected low-abundance M. tuberculosis proteins in blood using a nanoparticle-enhanced assay and received FDA breakthrough device designation pending validation.
Where this research is happening
New Orleans, United States
- Tulane University of Louisiana — New Orleans, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hu, Tony Y. — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Hu, Tony Y.
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.