Developing a low-cost test for gonorrhea and antibiotic resistance
Official title: The development & pilot implementation of a Cas13a-based low-cost point-of-care assay for detecting Neisseria gonorrhoeae and molecular markers of antimicrobial resistance in resource-limited settings
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10864376 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a quick and easy test to find gonorrhea infections and check for antibiotic resistance, especially in places with limited healthcare, so that clinics in Botswana can help patients get the right treatment faster.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 19, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $195,480 |
| NIH project number | 1K23AI182453-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10864376 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals in resource-limited settings who are at risk for or have been diagnosed with Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in resource-limited settings or those who do not have gonorrhea may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a simple and affordable test to detect Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections and identify antibiotic resistance markers in areas with limited healthcare resources. By utilizing CRISPR technology, the project aims to develop point-of-care assays that can be used directly in clinics, allowing for quicker diagnosis and more effective treatment. The research will also assess how well these tests are accepted and used in health centers in Botswana, ensuring they meet the needs of local healthcare providers and patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of gonorrhea, reducing the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using CRISPR technology for diagnostics, indicating that this approach could be effective in addressing similar challenges.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Allan-Blitz, Lao-Tzu — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Allan-Blitz, Lao-Tzu
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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.