Creating a test to detect hookworm infections in humans
Official title: Development of an ELISA for serosurveillance of human hookworm
Funded at Kephera Diagnostics, LLC · NIH-10815737 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new test to help doctors find hookworm infections more easily, especially in children and women in sub-Saharan Africa, so they can get the right treatment and improve their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kephera Diagnostics, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Framingham, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $300,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R43AI174487-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10815737 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children and women of reproductive age living in regions where hookworm infections are common.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in endemic areas for hookworm infections or who are not within the targeted age groups may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) to improve the detection of hookworm infections, which are prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa and other regions. The study aims to provide a more sensitive and reliable method for identifying these infections compared to current techniques, which often miss cases. By enhancing detection capabilities, the research seeks to better understand the impact of hookworm on health, particularly in children and women of reproductive age, who are most affected by the associated malnutrition and anemia. The findings could lead to improved public health strategies and treatment options for affected populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better detection and management of hookworm infections, ultimately improving health outcomes for affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that improved diagnostic methods for infectious diseases can significantly enhance treatment outcomes, suggesting that this approach has the potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Kephera Diagnostics, LLC
Framingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Levin, Andrew E. — Kephera Diagnostics, LLC
- Study coordinator: Levin, Andrew E.
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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.