Detecting antibiotic resistance in syphilis bacteria quickly and easily
Official title: Rapid Point-of-Care Detection of T. pallidum Resistance to Macrolides and Tetracyclines by Multiplexed Loop-mediated amplification (LAMP)
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10947153 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a quick test to help doctors find out if the bacteria that cause syphilis are resistant to certain antibiotics, so they can choose the best treatment for patients, especially those who might have a harder time with long treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | July 5, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $233,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI184749-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10947153 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with syphilis, particularly those at risk of antibiotic resistance due to treatment challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have syphilis or those whose infections are not affected by antibiotic resistance may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a rapid point-of-care test to detect resistance of the syphilis-causing bacteria, Treponema pallidum, to commonly used antibiotics like macrolides and tetracyclines. By utilizing a technique called multiplexed loop-mediated amplification (LAMP), the goal is to create a diagnostic tool that can be used in clinical settings to quickly identify resistant strains. This could help healthcare providers make informed decisions about antibiotic treatment, especially for patients who may struggle with long treatment regimens. The research aims to address the growing issue of antibiotic resistance in syphilis treatment, particularly in populations at higher risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and tailored antibiotic treatments for patients with syphilis, improving health outcomes and reducing complications.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using rapid diagnostic tests for antibiotic resistance is gaining traction, this specific application for Treponema pallidum is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lieberman, Joshua Abraham — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Lieberman, Joshua Abraham
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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.