Creating a quick test to detect a deadly brain-eating amoeba.
Official title: Development of a latex-agglutination assay for the rapid detection of Naegleria fowleri
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-11056249 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a quick test that can help doctors find a harmful amoeba called Naegleria fowleri in spinal fluid in just 15 minutes, making it easier and faster to diagnose serious brain infections and potentially save lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project start | November 12, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $77,600 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AI182562-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056249 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals, particularly children under 11 years old, who may be at risk for infections caused by Naegleria fowleri.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for Naegleria fowleri infections or those who have already been diagnosed and treated may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a rapid latex-agglutination assay to detect Naegleria fowleri, a dangerous amoeba that can cause severe brain infections. The approach involves using antibodies derived from rabbits inoculated with the amoeba to create a test that can identify the presence of Naegleria fowleri in cerebrospinal fluid within 15 minutes. By comparing this new method to existing diagnostic techniques, the researchers aim to establish a faster and more efficient way to diagnose infections, potentially saving lives.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to quicker diagnoses of Naegleria fowleri infections, allowing for timely treatment and improved patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While rapid diagnostic tests for other pathogens have shown success, this specific approach for Naegleria fowleri is novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Med Br Galveston
Galveston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rojo, Juan Ulises — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Rojo, Juan Ulises
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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.