Diagnosing bacterial pneumonia using breath analysis
Rapid, Breath Volatile Metabolite-Based Diagnosis, Species Identification, and Antibiotic Resistance Profiling in Bacterial Pneumonia
This study is working on a quick and easy breath test to help doctors tell if someone has bacterial pneumonia, which could lead to better treatment without needing any uncomfortable procedures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11015917 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a rapid and accurate diagnostic tool that identifies bacterial pneumonia by analyzing volatile metabolites in a patient's breath. By utilizing a portable gas chromatography-differential mobility spectrometry (GC-DMS) platform, the study seeks to differentiate bacterial pneumonia from other respiratory conditions without invasive procedures. The approach focuses on detecting specific breath signatures that indicate the presence of bacterial infections and their resistance to antibiotics, potentially leading to more effective treatment decisions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include patients experiencing symptoms of acute respiratory infections who may have bacterial pneumonia.
Not a fit: Patients with non-bacterial respiratory infections or those who do not exhibit symptoms of pneumonia may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions and improve treatment outcomes for patients with bacterial pneumonia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using breath analysis for diagnosing various conditions, indicating potential success for this novel approach in bacterial pneumonia.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koo, Sophia — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Koo, Sophia
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 below.