How the shape of a common mold affects its detection in patients
Official title: Hypoxia morphology of Aspergillus fumigatus impacts diagnostics
Funded at Dartmouth College · NIH-11065001 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the different shapes of a mold called Aspergillus fumigatus can affect the accuracy of tests used to diagnose serious lung infections, helping doctors find and treat these infections more quickly and effectively for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AI188661-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11065001 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients suspected of having infections caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, particularly those with symptoms of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by other pathogens or those who do not exhibit symptoms related to Aspergillus fumigatus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how different shapes of the mold Aspergillus fumigatus can influence the effectiveness of diagnostic tests for infections it causes, particularly Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis (IPA). The study aims to understand the relationship between the mold's morphology and the accuracy of current antigen-based diagnostic methods. By examining how variations in the mold's structure affect the detection of specific antigens, the research seeks to improve diagnostic capabilities for patients suffering from these serious infections. This could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tests for Aspergillus infections, allowing for earlier treatment and better patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of examining mold morphology's impact on diagnostics is novel, related research has shown that understanding pathogen characteristics can improve diagnostic accuracy.
Where this research is happening
-
Dartmouth College
Hanover, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kordana, Nicole E — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Kordana, Nicole E
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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.