Improving diagnostics for maternal and congenital syphilis
Official title: A Triad Approach Towards Improved Diagnostics for Maternal and Congenital Syphilis
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-10977464 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on creating better and easier tests to find syphilis in pregnant women and newborns, so they can get the right care quickly and avoid serious health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | August 12, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $212,357 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI185965-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10977464 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women and newborns at risk for syphilis infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or do not have newborns may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the diagnosis of maternal and congenital syphilis, a serious condition that can lead to birth defects and neonatal death. It aims to develop new molecular tests that are easier, faster, and more reliable than current methods, which often fail to detect the infection in pregnant women and newborns. The study will explore the use of vaginal fluids and microbiome biomarkers to improve diagnostic accuracy. By addressing barriers such as cost and accessibility, the research seeks to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and accessible diagnostic tools for maternal and congenital syphilis, ultimately reducing the incidence of birth defects and neonatal deaths.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing molecular diagnostics for infectious diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bhadra, Sanchita — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Bhadra, Sanchita
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Syphilis in Pregnancy: Understanding Infection in Moms and Babies
A study following pregnant women with syphilis and their babies to learn how the infection affects pregnancy and newborn health.
-
Syphilis in Pregnancy: Molecular Tests and Immune Responses in Mom and Baby
A study to understand how syphilis affects pregnancy and newborns by using molecular tests and tracking immune responses in 750 pregnant women with syphilis and their babies.
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Crowdsourced digital messaging to boost syphilis and HIV testing for women in NYC and rural Alabama
A community-driven project tests whether crowdsourced digital messages can encourage women, especially women of color and Native American women, to get syphilis, HIV, and STI tests.
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Preventing syphilis in pregnant people in Rio de Janeiro
A clinical trial in Brazil tests a pregnancy-safe antibiotic plan to stop syphilis from affecting babies.
-
Cefixime vs Penicillin G for Early Syphilis in HIV and non-HIV patients
This project compares a cefixime-based treatment to standard penicillin for early syphilis in people with and without HIV.
-
Preventing congenital syphilis in pregnant people at risk in Rio de Janeiro
A clinical trial will test a treatment approach during pregnancy to reduce syphilis transmission from mother to baby for pregnant people at risk in Rio de Janeiro.
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.