DNA sequencing tool to improve veterinary bacterial diagnostics
Official title: Request for funding to purchase a DNA sequencer
Funded at Auburn University at Auburn · NIH-11528821 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Auburn University plans to buy a DNA sequencing instrument to quickly and accurately identify bacteria in animals and animal-related samples.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Auburn University at Auburn NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Auburn, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $62,421 |
| NIH project number | 1U18FD008902-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11528821 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not limited to a specific patient group; applicable to veterinary clinical cases and samples from food-animals, pets, and related human exposures.
✕Less likely to help
Cases where bacterial infections are not being diagnosed or where molecular sequencing is not clinically indicated may see no benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to add a modern MiSeq sequencer to the veterinary college, expanding from culture-based methods to direct DNA-based identification of pathogens. With full 16S rRNA sequencing, clinicians can detect and characterize bacteria faster, aiding diagnosis and outbreak control in both animals and people who eat or handle animal products. The instrument will also enable sequencing of unique bacterial isolates, such as Salmonella strains carrying resistance genes, to better understand and respond to antimicrobial resistance. The goal is to create a core capability that supports veterinary care, public health, and food safety by delivering rapid, precise molecular results. The setup will complement existing MALDI-TOF-based workflows to provide a broader diagnostic toolkit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Faster and more accurate bacterial identification could lead to quicker treatment decisions and improved outbreak management in animals and in the food chain.
How similar studies have gone: Other laboratories have demonstrated that sequencing-based diagnostics can outperform culture alone in speed and accuracy.
Where this research is happening
-
Auburn University at Auburn
Auburn, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Chengming — Auburn University at Auburn
- Study coordinator: Wang, Chengming
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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.