Blood test to detect MAC DNA for faster diagnosis and monitoring of lung infection
Official title: CRISPR detection of circulating cell-free Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) DNA for rapid diagnosis and monitoring of MAC pulmonary disease
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11252363 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A very sensitive CRISPR-based blood test to find Mycobacterium avium complex DNA that may help people with suspected or confirmed MAC lung infection get faster diagnosis and monitoring.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | March 19, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $738,400 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI177986-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11252363 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with suspected or confirmed Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease—especially those who have trouble producing sputum, are older, or have underlying lung conditions—are ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without MAC lung infection, those with only non-pulmonary NTM disease, or individuals who already have reliable sputum culture monitoring may not gain direct benefit.
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will take blood samples to look for tiny amounts of MAC DNA circulating in your blood using an ultra-sensitive CRISPR-based test. They will compare the blood test results with sputum cultures, imaging, and patient-reported symptoms to see how well the test reflects disease and treatment response. The team aims to use the blood test to reduce the need for sputum induction, bronchoscopy, or repeated CT scans when possible. You may be asked to provide samples and symptom information over time while on or off treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could let doctors diagnose and track MAC lung disease with a simple blood test, reducing reliance on sputum collection, bronchoscopy, and repeated CT scans.
How similar studies have gone: CRISPR and cell-free DNA tests have shown promise for other infections and cancers, but applying this ultra-sensitive CRISPR cfDNA approach specifically to MAC lung disease is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Winthrop, Kevin Loring — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Winthrop, Kevin Loring
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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.