Repeated Controlled Human Schistosoma Mansoni Infection
Netherlands24 participantsStarted 2021-10-29
Plain-language summary
A group of 24 healthy volunteers are challenged one or three times with 20 male Schistosoma mansoni cercariae to investigate whether this leads to protection and to identify potential correlates of protection
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 45 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
. Subject is aged ≥ 18 and ≤ 45 years and in good health.
. Subject has adequate understanding of the procedures of the study and agrees to abide strictly thereby.
. Subject is able to communicate well with the investigator, is available to attend all study visits.
. Subject will remain within Europe (excluding Corsica) during the study period.
. Subject agrees to refrain from blood and plasma donation to Sanquin or for other purposes throughout the study period.
. For female subjects: subject agrees to use adequate contraception and not to breastfeed for the duration of study.
. Subject has signed informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
. Any history, or evidence at screening, of clinically significant symptoms, physical signs or abnormal laboratory values suggestive of systemic conditions, such as cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, hepatic, neurological, dermatological, endocrine, malignant, haematological, infectious, immune-deficient, (severe) psychiatric and other disorders, which could compromise the health of the volunteer during the study or interfere with the interpretation of the study results. These include, but are not limited to, any of the following:
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
Protective efficacy
Timeframe: From week 18 until week 30
2
Safety of (repeated) exposure to male Sm cercariae based on self-reported adverse events
. The chronic use of any drug known to interact with praziquantel, artesunate or lumefantrine metabolism (e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, primidone, dexamethasone, rifampicin, cimetidine, flecainide, metoprolol, imipramine, amitriptyline, clomipramine, class IA and III anti-arrythmics, antipsychotics, antidepressants, macrolides, fluoroquinolones, imidazole- and triazole antimycotics, antihistamines). Because lumefantrine may cause extension of QT-time, chronic use of drugs with effect on QT interval will result in exclusion from study participation.
. For female subjects: positive urine pregnancy test at screening.
. Any history of schistosomiasis or treatment for schistosomiasis.
. Positive serology for schistosomiasis or elevated serum CAA at screening.
. Known hypersensitivity to or contra-indications (including co-medication) for use of praziquantel, artesunate or lumefantrine.
. Being an employee or student of the department of Parasitology or Infectious diseases of the LUMC.