Multiplex blood test to find tuberculosis and drug-resistant strains
Multiplexed detection of cell-free M. Tuberculosis DNA and its drug-resistant variants in blood
A new blood test that looks for tiny fragments of TB bacteria and markers of drug resistance to help people suspected of active TB get faster, less-invasive results.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11162458 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I had symptoms or risk factors for TB, this work would try to detect tiny pieces of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA floating in my blood using an ultra‑sensitive CRISPR-based test. The test is designed to pick up very small amounts of circulating bacterial DNA (cfDNA) and to identify mutations linked to drug resistance in the same blood sample. Because cfDNA in blood changes quickly with disease activity, the approach could also track whether treatment is working. The team plans to refine multiplexed detection so it works for people who can’t produce sputum or who have extrapulmonary or weakened immune systems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with suspected active TB—especially those who cannot produce sputum, have extrapulmonary disease, or are immunocompromised—would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without active TB or those with latent TB infection may not have detectable cfDNA and are unlikely to benefit from this test.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could allow faster, less-invasive diagnosis of active and drug-resistant TB from a blood draw and provide quicker information on treatment response.
How similar studies have performed: CRISPR‑based detection has shown promise for detecting viral RNA in blood (e.g., SARS‑CoV‑2), but sensitive blood-based detection of M. tuberculosis cfDNA and multiplexed resistance calling is a newer and still developing approach.
Where this research is happening
New Orleans, United States
- Tulane University of Louisiana — New Orleans, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Zhen — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Huang, Zhen
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.