Diagnostic methods for fungal infections in animals to standardize care
Official title: Development and Validation of Diagnostic Methods for Veterinary Fungal Pathogensto Support Network-Wide Standardization
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-11529014 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A funded project to create and validate reliable tests for fungal infections in animals so vets can diagnose and treat more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $186,203 |
| NIH project number | 1U18FD008940-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11529014 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are animals with suspected fungal infections whose samples can be tested using standardized AFST and WGS workflows in participating veterinary laboratories.
✕Less likely to help
Animals whose infections are not fungal or whose samples cannot be processed with the standardized workflows may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to develop and standardize antifungal susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing workflows for veterinary fungal pathogens across diagnostic labs. Researchers will optimize laboratory methods, compare different testing platforms, and ensure the results are consistent and easy to use in veterinary practice. The goal is to improve clinical decision-making, antifungal stewardship, and surveillance of fungal diseases in animals and the broader community. The work will be carried out within Vet-LIRN laboratories, focusing on practical, lab-ready protocols.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, veterinarians will have better diagnostic tools and data to guide treatment and curb antifungal resistance in animals and potentially protect animal- and human-health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous diagnostic standardization efforts in other areas suggest that harmonized workflows can improve accuracy and comparability across laboratories, though this exact veterinary fungal effort is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maboni, Grazieli — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Maboni, Grazieli
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.