Metabolic biomarkers to diagnose and predict vaginitis caused by infection
Official title: Next Generation Metabolic Signatures of Infectious Causes of Vaginitis: Small Molecule Metabolite-Based Biomarkers for Diagnosis, Test-of-Cure, and Prediction of Recurrence
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11347160 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new test using small molecule metabolites in vaginal fluid could quickly and cheaply tell if vaginitis is caused by BV, VVC, or trichomoniasis and help predict if it may recur.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | June 3, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $867,869 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI198726-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11347160 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are women experiencing vaginal discharge who consent to provide vaginal fluid samples and participate in diagnostic testing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-infectious causes of discharge or those not meeting enrollment criteria may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at tiny molecules produced by microbes and the body in vaginal fluid to distinguish the common causes of vaginitis. By identifying a set of metabolite signatures, the study aims to create accurate, rapid diagnostic tools that could be used in clinics. If successful, these biomarkers could also help determine whether a treatment has worked and whether the infection might come back. The research involves analyzing samples from women with vaginitis and validating findings against current standard tests.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could get faster, cheaper and more precise diagnoses and better guidance on treatment and recurrence risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown metabolic profiles differ between BV and non-BV conditions, supporting potential diagnostic value but further validation is needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Srinivasan, Sujatha — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Srinivasan, Sujatha
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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.