Improving diagnostics for maternal and congenital syphilis
A Triad Approach Towards Improved Diagnostics for Maternal and Congenital Syphilis
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 ID | NIH-10977464 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women and newborns at risk for syphilis infection.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or do not have newborns may not receive benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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
Austin, United States
- University of Texas at Austin — Austin, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bhadra, Sanchita — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Bhadra, Sanchita
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.