Rapid diagnosis of leptospirosis using leptospiral VM protein detection
Official title: Leptospiral VM Protein Antigen Detection for Rapid Diagnosis of Leptospirosis
Funded at Luna Bioscience, INC. · NIH-11085136 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a quick test to help doctors easily find out if someone has leptospirosis, a serious infection, so they can start treatment right away and avoid complications, especially in areas where this illness is common.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Luna Bioscience, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Westport, United States) |
| Project start | May 7, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $299,631 |
| NIH project number | 5R41AI181135-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085136 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals presenting with acute undifferentiated fever, particularly in endemic regions or following environmental events like flooding.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic leptospirosis or those who do not exhibit acute symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a diagnostic test for leptospirosis, a serious bacterial infection caused by Leptospira. The goal is to create a rapid, point-of-care test that can detect leptospiral antigens in body fluids such as blood and urine. By enabling early diagnosis, the test aims to facilitate timely antimicrobial treatment, potentially preventing severe complications associated with the disease. This is particularly important in regions where leptospirosis is endemic and often misdiagnosed due to non-specific initial symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to faster and more accurate diagnosis of leptospirosis, improving patient outcomes and reducing mortality rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing rapid diagnostic tests for infectious diseases, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Luna Bioscience, INC.
Westport, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chaurasia, Reetika — Luna Bioscience, INC.
- Study coordinator: Chaurasia, Reetika
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Antibody Test for Early Leptospirosis Diagnosis
A new antibody test is being developed to quickly detect leptospirosis so patients, including military personnel and travelers, can get treatment sooner.
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Surrogate markers to predict protection from a human leptospirosis vaccine
A new program aims to create simple lab tests that predict whether a VM protein–based leptospirosis vaccine could protect people, using samples from vaccinated animals.
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Developing a vaccine to prevent leptospirosis
This study is working on a new vaccine to help protect people from leptospirosis, a serious illness caused by bacteria, and it’s for anyone who wants to help fight this disease and stay healthy.
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.