Fast blood test to detect tuberculosis using CRISPR and cell-free DNA
Rapid Detection of TB from Blood using Cell-Free DNA and CRISPR
A fast, low-cost blood test using CRISPR to find tiny amounts of TB DNA in people suspected of active tuberculosis, including children and people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11141795 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is developing a simple blood test that looks for tiny fragments of TB DNA floating in the blood (cell-free DNA) using CRISPR technology and the Cas12a enzyme. Researchers will refine the test in the laboratory for sensitivity and speed, then test its accuracy on blood samples from people with active TB, latent TB, other lung conditions, and people living with HIV. The team aims to show the test can distinguish active disease from latent infection and work when sputum is hard to collect, such as in children and people with HIV. If successful, the test could also help monitor how well treatment is working over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People suspected of active tuberculosis, particularly those who cannot produce sputum (including young children, people living with HIV, or patients with possible extrapulmonary TB).
Not a fit: People without TB symptoms, those with confirmed latent TB who are not being evaluated for active disease, or individuals in locations where the test is not yet available may not benefit immediately.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could allow quick, accurate TB diagnosis from a simple blood draw so more people—especially children and people with HIV—get treated sooner and fewer cases are missed.
How similar studies have performed: Related early studies using cell-free DNA and CRISPR diagnostics have shown promise for infections and other conditions, but applying blood-based CRISPR detection specifically to TB is relatively new and still being validated.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rodwell, Timothy Charles — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Rodwell, Timothy Charles
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.