Creating a test to detect HIV and Hepatitis B in low-income countries
Official title: Development of a Multiplex Quantitative PCR Assay for HIV and Hepatitis B Virus, for Low- and middle Income Countries
Funded at Univ of Sciences, Tech & Tech of Bamako · NIH-11093357 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new blood test that can quickly find both HIV and Hepatitis B infections, especially for people in places like Mali, so doctors can provide better treatment for those at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Sciences, Tech & Tech of Bamako NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bamako, Mali) |
| Project start | August 23, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $100,440 |
| NIH project number | 5K43TW011957-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11093357 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living in Mali who are at risk for HIV and Hepatitis B, particularly those in high-prevalence groups such as pregnant women and blood donors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for HIV or Hepatitis B, or those living outside of the targeted geographic area, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a multiplex quantitative PCR assay to detect both HIV and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Mali. The approach aims to improve early detection of HBV, which often goes unnoticed due to its asymptomatic nature, especially in individuals already at risk for HIV. By accurately identifying these infections, healthcare providers can better tailor antiretroviral therapy regimens to improve patient outcomes. The study will involve collecting and analyzing blood samples to validate the effectiveness of the new testing method.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved early detection and treatment of HIV and Hepatitis B, ultimately reducing complications and mortality rates in affected populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in developing similar assays for viral detection, indicating a promising potential for this approach in low-resource settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Sciences, Tech & Tech of Bamako
Bamako, Mali Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fofana, Djeneba Bocar — Univ of Sciences, Tech & Tech of Bamako
- Study coordinator: Fofana, Djeneba Bocar
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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HBV cure clues in people with and without HIV
This project studies how HBV-specific B and T cell responses relate to curing hepatitis B in people with and without HIV.
-
HBV cure factors in people with and without HIV
This project studies how HBV-specific immune cells behave during treatment and whether people with HIV respond differently than those without HIV.
-
HBV prevention in community pharmacies: a first step in a low-resource setting
This pilot project tests whether hepatitis B screening and vaccination can be integrated into everyday community pharmacy services to reach more people.
-
Blood markers to catch early liver cancer in Hispanic people with hepatitis B
This project will see if a blood test can find liver cancer earlier in Hispanic people who have chronic hepatitis B.
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Early blood markers to find hepatitis B–related liver cancer in Hispanics
This project will use immune-related blood markers to find liver cancer earlier in people with chronic hepatitis B, focusing on Hispanic adults.
-
HBV safety with long-acting HIV therapy for people with HIV
A study to understand how long-acting HIV meds affect hepatitis B in people living with HIV and how to best monitor and protect them.
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.