New tests to quickly diagnose syphilis infections
Official title: Novel antigen tests for diagnosing active T. pallidum infection
Funded at Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr · NIH-11098709 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a quick and affordable test to check for active syphilis infections, so people can get accurate results in under 30 minutes and start treatment sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $181,187 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI186134-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098709 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who may be at risk for syphilis or have symptoms of the infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are under 21 years old or those who have already been diagnosed and treated for syphilis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a rapid and cost-effective point-of-care diagnostic test for active syphilis infections caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The current methods for diagnosing syphilis rely on older serum antibody tests that can be inaccurate and do not differentiate between current and past infections. By utilizing innovative Nano2RED technology, the study will create a test that can provide results in under 30 minutes with high sensitivity. This could significantly improve the accuracy of syphilis diagnoses and help in timely treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and faster diagnoses of syphilis, ultimately improving treatment outcomes and reducing the spread of the infection.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing rapid diagnostic tests for other infections, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Zhilei — Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
- Study coordinator: Chen, Zhilei
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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.