CRISPR-Based Test Revolutionizes Pneumonia Diagnosis in Immunocompromised Patients

Researchers at Tulane University have **developed an innovative CRISPR-based test** that significantly improves the diagnosis of *Pneumocystis jirovecii* pneumonia (PJP). This **life-threatening infection** affects primarily children and immunocompromised individuals, such as those with cancer, HIV/AIDS, or those on immunosuppressive treatments. Traditional diagnostic methods rely on invasive bronchoscopy, which are not only costly, but time-consuming, often taking up to two days to yield results. The new test, however, can provide results in just **45 minutes** by detecting RNA from *P. jirovecii* in blood samples and throat swabs, thus eliminating the need for bronchoscopy. The study, published in the *Journal of Clinical Investigation*, highlights the **combination of engineering innovation and clinical expertise** by Tulane's team led by Dr. Jay Kolls and Dr. Tony Hu. The test significantly boosts diagnostic accuracy when used alongside PCR tests, correctly identifying 96% of infected infants and 93% of infected adults, compared to much lower percentages with PCR alone. This method also helps to map the epidemiology of pneumocystis in the US. The research underscores CRISPR's growing role in **streamlining disease detection** and suggests potential applications for other respiratory infections. The tool was tested in collaboration with several health organizations, and supported by key health institutions like the National Institutes of Health and the Gates Foundation. Tulane aims to **deploy this tool clinically** to enhance patient outcomes.