Developing new tests for diagnosing TB meningitis and histoplasmosis
Official title: Novel Diagnostic Development for TB Meningitis and Histoplasmosis
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11019367 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new and better tests to quickly and accurately diagnose TB meningitis and histoplasmosis, especially in places that don't have a lot of resources, to help save lives and reduce the high death rates from these serious infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $156,066 |
| NIH project number | 7K23NS110470-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11019367 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals in low-resource settings who are suspected of having TB meningitis or histoplasmosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other infectious diseases not related to TB meningitis or histoplasmosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating innovative diagnostic tests for TB meningitis and histoplasmosis, particularly in low-resource settings where these diseases are prevalent. The project aims to enhance the accuracy and speed of diagnosis using advanced molecular technologies and immunodiagnostics. By improving diagnostic tools, the research seeks to reduce the high mortality rates associated with these infections, especially TB meningitis, which has a mortality rate exceeding 50% due to slow and inaccurate testing methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to faster and more accurate diagnoses for patients suffering from TB meningitis and histoplasmosis, ultimately saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing rapid diagnostic tools for TB, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bahr, Nathan — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Bahr, Nathan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Personalized Immunomodulatory Therapy for HIV-related Cryptococcal Meningitis
A patient-focused study investigates a personalized treatment approach to improve outcomes for people with HIV who develop cryptococcal meningitis.
-
Improving Diagnostics and Neurocognitive Outcomes in HIV/AIDS-related Meningitis
A study in Uganda aims to use faster, better tests and a new antifungal to help people with HIV who develop meningitis.
-
TB meningitis diagnostic test compare and cost study in sub-Saharan Africa
Researchers are testing a new CSF urine-based test (SILVAMP TB LAM) to improve diagnosis of TB meningitis in people with HIV, to help speed treatment and reduce death in Sub-Saharan Africa.
-
Minimally Invasive Sampling to Improve HIV-Associated M meningitis Diagnosis in Africa
A research study is testing easier, less invasive ways to diagnose meningitis in people living with HIV, with a focus on making diagnosis faster and more accurate in Africa and the US.
-
Understanding brain injury in kids with tuberculous meningitis (iThemba)
A study in children with TB meningitis in South Africa will look at how inflammation and blood-clotting factors relate to brain injury and infarcts.
-
Serological clues to survival in HIV-related cryptococcal meningitis
This grant looks for antibody signals in the blood that could predict who survives cryptococcal meningitis in people with HIV.
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.