Diagnostic innovations for pediatric TB in Bolivia
Official title: Diagnostic Innovations for Pediatric Tuberculosis in Bolivia
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11418877 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new CRISPR-based test using blood samples is being studied to help diagnose tuberculosis in children in Bolivia and Peru.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | June 7, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $562,970 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI173021-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11418877 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children and adults with presumptive TB, their household contacts, and HIV-positive children at high risk for TB in Bolivia and Peru.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without TB symptoms or exposure may not benefit from this test outcome.
What this research studies
This project tests a promising CRISPR-TB blood test that looks for circulating TB DNA in cryopreserved serum from children and adults with presumptive TB, their asymptomatic contacts, and HIV-positive children at risk. Building on 25 years of collaboration, the team will enroll 200 presumptive TB cases to evaluate accuracy in real-world clinical settings. The study leverages samples already collected and aims to provide a faster, cost-effective tool that could improve diagnosis where current tests are limited. If successful, this approach could help more children receive timely treatment and reduce TB transmission.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the diagnostic approach could lead to earlier and more accurate TB detection in children, improving treatment outcomes and reducing transmission.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary pilots have shown high sensitivity and specificity in adults and promising results in CLHIV, suggesting potential benefit in broader pediatric use.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oberhelman, Richard a — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Oberhelman, Richard a
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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.