Multiplexed detection of TB DNA and drug-resistant variants in blood
Official title: Multiplexed detection of cell-free M. Tuberculosis DNA and its drug-resistant variants in blood
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11416372 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests a blood test that looks for tiny fragments of tuberculosis DNA and drug-resistance signals to help diagnose TB faster and more reliably.
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 start | August 11, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $714,827 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI175618-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11416372 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with suspected or confirmed TB, including those with extrapulmonary TB or compromised immune systems, where current tests are less reliable.
✕Less likely to help
People without TB or those whose TB is already clearly diagnosed by standard methods may not gain additional benefit.
What this research studies
Tuberculosis remains a major killer and current diagnostic methods can be slow or insensitive. The researchers have developed a CRISPR-Cas12a-based approach to detect M. tuberculosis DNA circulating in blood, aiming to overcome limitations of culture and sputum-based tests. By testing blood samples, the study seeks a rapid, highly sensitive way to identify active TB and its drug-resistant forms, potentially guiding timely treatment. The work will be conducted at Tulane University with patient samples and rigorous validation to move toward clinical use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this blood test could enable quicker, more accurate TB diagnosis and enable better-tailored treatment, including identification of drug resistance.
How similar studies have gone: Previous blood-based cfDNA and CRISPR-based TB detection work shows promise, but this specific approach remains under development and requires clinical validation.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Zhen — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Huang, Zhen
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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.