NIH-funded research R01 grant

Improving Diagnostics and Neurocognitive Outcomes in HIV/AIDS-related Meningitis

Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11539368 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A study in Uganda aims to use faster, better tests and a new antifungal to help people with HIV who develop meningitis.

More AIDS research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Minnesota
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2013
Project endMay 31, 2029
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$332,546
NIH project number3R01NS086312-13S1
Project IDNIH-11539368 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults with HIV presenting with suspected central nervous system infections in Africa, particularly Uganda, who can participate in diagnostics and/or the antifungal trial.

Less likely to help

Individuals without HIV or without suspected CNS infections or who cannot participate in the trial components may not benefit.

What this research studies

This project follows a large group of people with HIV who develop central nervous system infections to understand which infections are present using rapid diagnostic tests. It will validate new tests like a cryptococcal antigen assay and a host-response gene signature to quickly identify causes such as cryptococcal meningitis and tuberculosis. In addition, the study includes a phase II trial of the oral antifungal oteseconazole to see if it can improve microbiologic control and outcomes. The work combines observational data collection with a clinical trial component to explore both diagnosis and treatment options. Results could lead to faster, more accurate diagnoses and better survival and cognitive outcomes for patients with HIV-related meningitis in Africa.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the research could speed up accurate diagnoses and improve survival and cognitive outcomes for people with HIV-related meningitis.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that rapid diagnostics can improve outcomes for CNS infections in HIV, but this project expands validation in a high-burden setting and tests a new antifungal.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Minnesota
    Minneapolis, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Boulware, David R — University of Minnesota
  • Study coordinator: Boulware, David R

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.