An observational study in Human African Trypanosomiasis, sponsored by Institute of Tropical Medicine, Belgium. Completed at 1 site in Congo, The Democratic Republic of the. Open to participants aged 12 Years and older, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2023-09-28.
Sponsored by Institute of Tropical Medicine, Belgium · Observational
Human African trypanosomiasis HAT, or sleeping sickness, is a tropical disease caused mainly by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei gambiense (gHAT). After a severe epidemic in the 1990s, the World Health Organization (WHO) now targets elimination of transmission of gHAT by the year 2030, which heavily relies on its diagnosis and treatment. Traditional screening tests (like CATT or rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs)) are based on the detection of antibodies against the parasite using native antigens, which are costly and dangerous to produce. New serological tests, using recombinant antigens, have been developed, but little is known about their field performance. The primary objective of this study is to assess the specificity of the newly-developed recombinant RDTs, since it will become very relevant as we move forward towards a screen\&treat strategy. We will also compare the diagnostic accuracy and overall performance of iELISA and molecular testing.
This prospective study will follow two different mobile units as they go on their routine screening of the gHAT endemic population. Study participants will be enrolled during the routine screening, and after providing informed consent, they will be asked for a 4.5 ml venous blood sample. The three RDTs (HAT Sero-K-SeT, rHAT Sero-K-SeT, Bioline HAT 2.0) and CATT will be performed on site, while part of the sample will be mixed with DNA/RNA Shield for molecular analysis and the rest will be left to decant, to collect plasma for iELISA and TL. Confirmatory tests will be performed in the field on any seropositive individual. Should any case be confirmed, treatment will be offered, free of charge, following PNLTHA guidelines.
The obtained data will allow for a very precise estimation of the specificity of the newly developed recombinant RDTs. This study does not aim to determine the sensitivity of these tests since, due to the very low prevalence, the chance of having sufficient seropositive samples and/or finding a true case are very slim. The diagnostic performance of iELISA and novel molecular tests will also be determined.
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The study population are the people living in villages that are at risk for HAT infection, as the first stade of the disease is asymptomatic or with non-specific symptoms, the whole village is invited to participate in the active screening activity. This is routine active screening done by the mobile team. they study team will recruit people that participate to the screening campaign.
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Exclusion Criteria:
Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Informed consent
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Specificity of recombinant CORIS rapid diagnostic test for HAT
recombinant RDT for detection of HAT developed by CORIS, determine its field performance
Time frame: 1 month
Specificity of recombinant BIOLINE rapid diagnostic test for HAT
recombinant RDT for detection of HAT developed by BIOLINE, determine its field performance
Time frame: 1 months
iELISA
determine performance of inhibition ELISA test to replace Trypanolyse test
Time frame: 3 months
Molecular
determine if active infection of HAT is present using molecular testing technique, determine its performances
Time frame: 4 months
Plan to share: Undecided — anonymity of participants must be guaranteed anonymised study results can be shared with other researchers
No publications or documents are linked to this record.
Ran from Sep 2022 to primary completion in Feb 2023, 5 months.
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This study is completed, as verified in Sep 2023. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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