Ultra-sensitive PCR to detect and track Chagas disease
Optimization of UltraPCR for detection of and assessment of treatment outcomes in Trypanosoma cruzi infection
This project will improve a very sensitive PCR test to find hidden Trypanosoma cruzi infections and tell whether treatments clear them in people with Chagas disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11293414 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will refine an ultra-sensitive PCR method (UltraPCR) so it can pick up extremely small amounts of the Chagas parasite in blood. They will change how DNA is prepared—using fragmentation—and adjust the assay to better disperse and detect parasite DNA. The improved test will be tried on blood samples and compared with standard antibody tests and known treatment outcomes, using samples from treated people and relevant animal or international cohorts as needed. The aim is a reliable lab tool that can indicate when infection has truly been cleared, even when traditional tests remain positive.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with suspected or confirmed Chagas disease, especially those starting or completing antiparasitic treatment or participating in treatment trials.
Not a fit: People without exposure to Trypanosoma cruzi or those whose care does not depend on parasite detection (for example, advanced irreversible organ damage where detection won't change management) may not benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could give patients a much clearer way to know if they still have an active Chagas infection or if treatment has eliminated the parasite.
How similar studies have performed: Previous PCR methods targeting abundant parasite DNA have improved detection but reliably proving cure has remained difficult, so this builds on those approaches with further optimization.
Where this research is happening
Athens, United States
- University of Georgia — Athens, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tarleton, Rick L — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Tarleton, Rick L
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.