Faster, more accurate tests for tuberculosis in the brain (TB meningitis)
Determining the performance and accuracy of SILVAMP TB LAM and cost-effectiveness of diagnostic testing for TB meningitis
This project is testing a rapid LAM antigen test called FujiLAM on spinal fluid to help doctors find TB meningitis, especially in people with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11397918 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have symptoms of meningitis, doctors will compare a rapid LAM antigen test (FujiLAM) on your cerebrospinal fluid with existing tests like Xpert Ultra, microscopy, and culture. Spinal fluid collected during routine lumbar puncture will be tested to see which methods detect TB meningitis and whether FujiLAM finds cases missed by other tests. The team will also study the costs and practical use of FujiLAM in hospitals with limited equipment, focusing on sites in Sub‑Saharan Africa and people living with HIV. Together these steps aim to show whether FujiLAM can speed up diagnosis and get people treated sooner.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with suspected meningitis undergoing lumbar puncture, particularly people living with HIV or patients at hospitals in TB‑endemic regions like Sub‑Saharan Africa.
Not a fit: People without suspected TB meningitis, those who cannot undergo lumbar puncture, or those already definitively diagnosed by other tests are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could allow faster and more reliable diagnosis of TB meningitis so people receive lifesaving treatment sooner and with less disability.
How similar studies have performed: Small prior studies, including one showing about 50% sensitivity for FujiLAM in spinal fluid, suggested promise but larger confirmatory research is still needed.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bahr, Nathan — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Bahr, Nathan
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.