Rapid combined antibody test to detect active syphilis
An integrated multiplexed diagnostic assay targeting fusion lipoproteins and cardiolipin for detection of treponemal and nontreponemal antibodies in syphilis patients
A point-of-care test that looks for both treponemal and non-treponemal antibodies to help tell if someone has active syphilis or a past infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11291884 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project develops a clinic-friendly multiplexed diagnostic that detects treponemal-specific antibodies and non-treponemal (cardiolipin) antibodies on the same device. By providing a semi-quantitative measure of non-treponemal response, the test aims to help distinguish active infection from previously treated cases that retain treponemal antibodies. The team will validate the device using clinical samples and compare results to standard laboratory serology and existing rapid tests. If accurate, the device could be used in clinics or outreach settings to speed treatment decisions and reduce follow-up visits.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People being evaluated for syphilis — including those with symptoms, known exposure, or pregnant people needing prenatal screening — would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without syphilis, or those with long-ago treated infections who only have persistent treponemal antibodies, may not gain additional benefit from this test.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could allow clinicians to diagnose active syphilis at the point of care and start appropriate treatment immediately, reducing transmission and delays.
How similar studies have performed: Existing FDA-cleared rapid tests detect only treponemal antibodies, and while some combined approaches have been explored, a reliable semi-quantitative point-of-care treponemal/non-treponemal test is still largely unestablished.
Where this research is happening
University Park, United States
- Pennsylvania State University, the — University Park, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pan, Dipanjan — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Pan, Dipanjan
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.