Sensitive point-of-care test for tick-borne spotted fever group rickettsioses
Official title: Development of a sensitive Point-of-Care immunoassay for tick- borne spotted fever group rickettsioses
Funded at Inbios International, INC. · NIH-11313004 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A fast, easy-to-use test kit is being developed to detect early signs of tick-borne spotted fever group infections so patients can get treated sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Inbios International, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 8, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $314,363 |
| NIH project number | 1R41AI197509-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11313004 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals suspected of having SFGR infections, especially in areas with tick exposure, could benefit from earlier diagnosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without SFGR or those tested outside the acute window may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a rapid antigen-detection test that can be used at the bedside or clinic to identify SFGR infections in the acute stage. Building on the identified biomarker NALAA, researchers will work with InBios to design and optimize a user-friendly assay suitable for point-of-care settings. The work includes validating the assay’s sensitivity and specificity to ensure reliable results when patients first present with symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the test could enable earlier treatment and reduce severe outcomes from SFGR infections.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier diagnostic efforts for SFGR have struggled with sensitivity in the acute phase, making this approach innovative but still requiring validation.
Where this research is happening
-
Inbios International, INC.
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vallur, Aarthy C — Inbios International, INC.
- Study coordinator: Vallur, Aarthy C
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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.