Point-of-care test to find who will develop liver scarring from Schistosoma japonicum
Biomarkers to Identify Individuals at RIsk for Progression of S. Japonicum Associated Hepatic Fibrosis with Point of Care Test Development
A blood-based point-of-care test to spot people with Schistosoma japonicum infection who are likely to develop liver scarring so they can get earlier or more frequent treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rhode Island Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11066506 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be part of work to find signals in blood that show who with Schistosoma japonicum infection is likely to get liver scarring (fibrosis). Researchers will use a multiplex blood assay (FibroPlex_v2) that measures many biomarkers and will refine it into a rapid point-of-care test that can be used in clinics. The project involves collecting samples and clinical information from people in endemic areas, especially through partners in the Philippines, and following results over time. The team also plans to strengthen local research capacity so tests can be used and studied where the disease is common.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people living in Schistosoma japonicum–endemic areas (for example communities in the Philippines) with evidence of infection or prior exposure who can provide blood samples and clinical follow-up.
Not a fit: People without S. japonicum infection, those from non-endemic regions, or patients with very advanced irreversible liver disease are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the test could let clinicians identify people at high risk for progressive liver fibrosis and give them more frequent treatment to halt or reverse scarring.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work shows more frequent praziquantel can halt or reverse fibrosis and biomarker panels have been developed (including FibroPlex_v2), but converting these into a field-ready point-of-care test is a newer and less-tested step.
Where this research is happening
Providence, United States
- Rhode Island Hospital — Providence, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Friedman, Jennifer F — Rhode Island Hospital
- Study coordinator: Friedman, Jennifer F
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.