Rapid Diagnosis of Eye Infections with a Highly Sensitive, Multi-Pathogen Test
Official title: Rapid Diagnosis of Ocular Infections using a Sensitive and Highly Multiplexed Broad Pathogen Detection Assay
Funded at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary · NIH-11367391 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, fast test for eye infections uses NanoString technology to detect many pathogens at once, helping doctors choose the right treatment sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $425,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY036137-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11367391 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with suspected ocular infections such as keratitis, uveitis, or endophthalmitis who require diagnostic testing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-infectious eye conditions or those not undergoing diagnostic sampling may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a rapid, highly multiplexed diagnostic test for ocular infections that can identify a wide range of pathogens from eye samples. It focuses on improving speed and accuracy of diagnosis to guide timely, targeted therapies and protect vision. By applying advanced molecular detection, the approach seeks to reduce unnecessary broad-spectrum treatments and combat antimicrobial resistance. The work builds on preliminary findings and advances towards a clinically deployable assay that can inform patient care in ophthalmology settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with eye infections could receive precise, faster treatments that preserve vision and reduce toxicity from unnecessary therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest that multiplex molecular diagnostics can improve pathogen detection speed and accuracy in infectious diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bispo, Paulo J. M. — Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
- Study coordinator: Bispo, Paulo J. M.
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.