Pediatric TB diagnosis using tiny particles in blood for kids and adults
Official title: Detecting pathogen and host factors on extracellular vesicles for pediatric TB diagnosis and management
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11474413 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A pediatric-focused TB test uses a special blood assay to find tiny TB-related markers on extracellular vesicles, aiming to improve diagnosis and guide treatment for children and adults.
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 | March 17, 2017 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $92,669 |
| NIH project number | 3R01HD090927-10S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11474413 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children under 11, adults (including those after treatment), and individuals at risk for TB who can provide blood samples for biomarker testing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without TB or those unable to provide blood samples may not benefit from this specific diagnostic approach.
What this research studies
This project explores a non-sputum blood test to detect signals from both the TB bacteria and the body's response, which could help diagnose TB earlier, especially in young children who struggle with sputum tests. The team uses a nanoparticle-enhanced immunoassay read by a portable device to identify TB-related factors on extracellular vesicles in serum. If successful, the approach could streamline diagnosis and support monitoring how well treatment works across age groups, including kids under five. Participation would involve blood sampling and possibly follow-up for test performance and clinical relevance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive faster, non-sputum-based TB diagnosis and better guidance for treatment responses.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary work shows promise with serum-based TB biomarkers and EV-associated signals, but this exact nanoparticle-enhanced, EV-focused approach is still being validated.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lyon, Christopher J — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Lyon, Christopher J
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.