Testing for tuberculosis using tongue swabs
Official title: High-sensitivity tongue swab testing for tuberculosis
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11122337 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, easy way to test for active tuberculosis using a quick and painless mouth swab, making it simpler for people at risk to get checked without the hassle of traditional tests.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | June 20, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $155,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI185407-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11122337 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk for tuberculosis who may have difficulty providing sputum samples.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been diagnosed with tuberculosis and are receiving treatment may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a high-sensitivity method for diagnosing active tuberculosis (TB) using noninvasive oral swab samples. Traditional sputum tests can be difficult and risky for patients, especially in community settings where TB is prevalent. This project aims to enhance swab sampling techniques and utilize advanced processing technologies to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA from the tongue. The painless and quick sampling process allows for easier testing, particularly for individuals who may be at risk for TB but do not show symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a simpler and safer method for diagnosing tuberculosis, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing transmission rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using noninvasive sampling methods for TB detection, indicating that this approach could be a viable alternative.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cangelosi, Gerard a — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Cangelosi, Gerard a
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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.