New TB meningitis test methods and cost check in Sub-Saharan Africa
Official title: Determining the performance and accuracy of SILVAMP TB LAM and cost-effectiveness of diagnostic testing for TB meningitis
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11400971 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to see how well the SILVAMP TB LAM test works on spinal fluid for diagnosing TB meningitis and whether it is cost-effective, focusing on people with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | June 21, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $560,418 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI170158-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11400971 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People suspected of having TB meningitis, particularly those living with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa where TBM burden is high.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without suspected TB meningitis or those outside the study settings may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Tuberculous meningitis is a deadly brain infection, especially for people with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa. This project tests the SILVAMP TB LAM (FujiLAM) assay on cerebrospinal fluid and compares its performance to existing methods like Xpert Ultra, aiming to understand sensitivity, negative predictive value, and practicality. Researchers will evaluate test accuracy, cost, and feasibility in real-world settings where resources are limited. The study builds on prior small work and seeks confirmation with a larger sample to guide better diagnosis and faster treatment for TBM. Results could inform clinical practice and policy to improve outcomes for patients with suspected TB meningitis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could lead to faster, more accurate TB meningitis diagnosis and better treatment decisions, potentially reducing death and disability.
How similar studies have gone: Prior small studies suggested FujiLAM may add value, but larger confirmation is needed.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bahr, Nathan — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Bahr, Nathan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Personalized Immunomodulatory Therapy for HIV-related Cryptococcal Meningitis
A patient-focused study investigates a personalized treatment approach to improve outcomes for people with HIV who develop cryptococcal meningitis.
-
Improving Diagnostics and Neurocognitive Outcomes in HIV/AIDS-related Meningitis
A study in Uganda aims to use faster, better tests and a new antifungal to help people with HIV who develop meningitis.
-
TB meningitis diagnostic test compare and cost study in sub-Saharan Africa
Researchers are testing a new CSF urine-based test (SILVAMP TB LAM) to improve diagnosis of TB meningitis in people with HIV, to help speed treatment and reduce death in Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Minimally Invasive Sampling to Improve HIV-Associated M meningitis Diagnosis in Africa
A research study is testing easier, less invasive ways to diagnose meningitis in people living with HIV, with a focus on making diagnosis faster and more accurate in Africa and the US.
-
Understanding brain injury in kids with tuberculous meningitis (iThemba)
A study in children with TB meningitis in South Africa will look at how inflammation and blood-clotting factors relate to brain injury and infarcts.
-
Serological clues to survival in HIV-related cryptococcal meningitis
This grant looks for antibody signals in the blood that could predict who survives cryptococcal meningitis in people with HIV.
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.