Evaluation of Antibody Detection Tests for Visceral Leishmaniasis Diagnosis in Eastern Africa (NCT03646981) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Evaluation of Antibody Detection Tests for Visceral Leishmaniasis Diagnosis in Eastern Africa
Ethiopia, Kenya704 participantsStarted 2019-09-01
Plain-language summary
According to recent estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO) on eastern Africa, not all visceral leishmaniasis (VL) cases reported are confirmed by a laboratory test, probably due to limited access to accurate diagnostic tests and poor reporting. The main approach for VL diagnosis involves antibody detection using the rK39 rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and alternatively the direct agglutination test (DAT) to confirm clinically suspected cases. Suspected cases with negative rK39 RDT and/or DAT results are referred to facilities where examination of tissue aspirate (spleen, bone marrow, lymph node) by microscopy is available. Unfortunately, the diagnostic performance of rK39 in eastern Africa is suboptimal, particularly in settings with a high VL/HIV co-infection rate. A recently developed RDT, based on the recombinant antigen rK28, may overcome this problem, with studies reporting better performance than the rK39. However, data are not definitive, as studies comparing rK28 RDTs with rK39 RDT are limited. Another recently developed RDT detects immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) specific to Leishmania and has shown promising results in the Indian subcontinent. This study aims to undertake a multi-country assessment of the performance of rK28 and IgG1 RDTs, as compared to the currently used rK39 RDT.
Who can participate
Age range
4 Years – 100 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:
* Patient with clinical signs compatible with VL.
* Is a first VL episode suspected.
* Patient ≥ 5 years old (≥ 4 years old in Kenya).
* Patient from whom written informed consent can be obtained or signed by parent or legal guardian if patient is under 18 years of age. In the case of minors, assent from the children (12-17 years old in Ethiopia, Uganda and Sudan, and 13-17 years old in Kenya) will be obtained, as per country legal requirements.
* Clinical samples required VL diagnosis (peripheral blood, lymph node or bone marrow or spleen aspirate) can be obtained from the patient and patient shows willingness.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Patient already on treatment for VL.
* Patient is a suspected VL relapse case.
* Patient has had previous VL episodes.
* Patients \< 5 years old (\< 4 years old in Kenya).
* Pregnant woman.
* Patient has post/para-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL).
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
1
RDT performance
Timeframe: an average of 1.5 years
Trial details
NCT IDNCT03646981
SponsorFoundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Switzerland