Investigating the long-term risks of neurosyphilis in HIV-positive individuals with unusual syphilis test results
Official title: The long-term risk of neurosyphilis in people with HIV experiencing syphilis serologic nonresponse or failure
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11142631 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at people with HIV who have unusual results on their syphilis tests to see if they might be at risk for neurosyphilis, helping doctors figure out if more tests are needed and how to better care for these patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | July 22, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $204,688 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI186734-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11142631 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are HIV-positive individuals who have been treated for syphilis but show atypical serologic responses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are HIV-negative or those who do not have a history of syphilis will likely not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the long-term risks of neurosyphilis in people living with HIV who show unusual responses to syphilis tests. It examines cases where patients either do not show the expected decline in syphilis antibody levels or show an unexpected increase, despite treatment. The study aims to identify the need for further testing, such as lumbar punctures, and the implications of these findings on patient care. By analyzing these cases, the research seeks to improve monitoring and treatment strategies for this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better management and treatment protocols for HIV-positive individuals at risk of neurosyphilis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that monitoring serologic responses in syphilis treatment can be complex, but this specific approach to neurosyphilis risk in HIV-positive patients is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tuddenham, Susan Anne — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Tuddenham, Susan Anne
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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.