Clinical Trial Details
— Status: Completed
Administrative data
NCT number |
NCT05637632 |
Other study ID # |
HAT-RDT |
Secondary ID |
|
Status |
Completed |
Phase |
|
First received |
|
Last updated |
|
Start date |
September 20, 2022 |
Est. completion date |
February 20, 2023 |
Study information
Verified date |
September 2023 |
Source |
Institute of Tropical Medicine, Belgium |
Contact |
n/a |
Is FDA regulated |
No |
Health authority |
|
Study type |
Observational
|
Clinical Trial Summary
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.
Description:
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.