CompletedNot Applicable

Mass Drug Administration for Lymphatic Filariasis and Onchocerciasis for Liberia

Liberia21,862 participantsStarted 2012-03

Plain-language summary

Approximately 5,200 people will participate per year. The study population will include females and males over 5 years of age who live in filariasis and onchocerciasis endemic areas. Subject selection will not be based on health status. Two sites will be studied, and each study will last for 4 years. Participants will be studied only once in cross-sectional surveys. Some subjects may be included in more than one annual population survey, but this is not a longitudinal study. Investigators will compare annual and semiannual mass drug administration (MDA) for lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis, and investigators will compare the impact of these MDA schedules on soil transmitted helminth infections. MDA will be administered by others (Liberian Ministry of Health or Liberian Institute of Biomedical Research). The investigators will test the hypothesis that semiannual mass drug administration (MDA) is superior to annual MDA for elimination of lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis and for control of soil transmitted helminth (STH) infections. 1. Compare the relative impact and cost effectiveness of annual vs. twice yearly mass drug administration (MDA) for elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF) in these populations. 2. Compare the relative impact and cost effectiveness of annual vs. twice yearly mass drug administration (MDA) for elimination of onchocerciasis in these populations. 3. Study the impact of annual vs. semiannual MDA on soil transmitted helminth (STH) infection in these populations. Continuation Activities (2019/2020): Additional one-time cross-sectional surveys will be completed in the Harper site in Maryland district in 2019 and in Lofa in 2020 to measure the long-term impact of MDA on W. bancrofti, O. volvulus, and on STH infection parameters following these cumulative 7-9 rounds of MDA since the baseline survey taken in 2013. Since the last DOLF surveys (3rd follow-ups) in these sites in 2016 \& 2017, respectively, there have been a total of 3 annual rounds of MDA in both areas. These additional surveys will recruit 2,500 participants in the Maryland area villages and 3,200 in the Lofa area villages.

Who can participate

Age range

5 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * • Study areas should be endemic for filariasis and onchocerciasis. * • Study population have limited or no prior experience with MDA. Males and Females greater than 5 years of age. Exclusion Criteria: * • Children less than 5 years of age. * • Children who weigh less than 15 kg (33 lb)

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Prevalence of W. bancrofti microfilaria (4 years)

Timeframe: 4 years

Prevalence of W. bancrofti filarial antigenemia (4 years)

Timeframe: 4 years

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01905436

SponsorWashington University School of Medicine

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2017-04

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Lymphatic Filariasis trials