Estimating how long someone has had HIV and tracking new infections using multiple biomarkers
Next-generation algorithms using multiple biomarkers for precise estimation of HIV infection duration and population level incidence
This project develops lab tests and computer methods that use several HIV markers to give a clearer estimate of how long someone has been infected and to better track new infections in communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Triad National Security, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Alamos, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11067858 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I provide a blood sample or testing records, researchers will measure several HIV biomarkers and combine them with surveillance data to estimate when I was likely infected. Instead of a simple 'recent' or 'long-term' label, the team will produce a probability range for time-since-infection that reflects uncertainty. They will also model how many people with HIV are undiagnosed or newly entering a population to improve community-level incidence numbers. The overall aim is to give public health programs faster, more accurate information to guide testing and prevention where it's most needed.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people newly diagnosed with HIV or people who can share stored blood samples and testing history for biomarker measurement.
Not a fit: People without HIV or those unwilling or unable to provide samples or testing records are unlikely to directly benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could give public health teams more accurate and timely estimates of new HIV infections to better target prevention and testing efforts.
How similar studies have performed: Related multi-assay biomarker methods have improved incidence estimates in some settings, but this proposal applies a more precise probabilistic and population-level approach that is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Los Alamos, UNITED STATES
- Triad National Security, LLC — Los Alamos, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leitner, Thomas K. — Triad National Security, LLC
- Study coordinator: Leitner, Thomas K.
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.