Spatial Analysis of Host-parasite Interactions in Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Ethiopia (NCT05332093) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Spatial Analysis of Host-parasite Interactions in Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Ethiopia
Ethiopia92 participantsStarted 2022-03-21
Plain-language summary
Cutaneous leishmaniasis manifestations range from self-healing localized skin ulcers/nodules to diffusely spread chronic lesions. Knowledge on the host-parasite interactions underpinning the different clinical presentations is scarce, in particular for L. aethiopica infections where disease can be extremely severe. Our aim is to define differences in skin immune responses and parasite virulence in CL patients at single cell/parasite level and how it underpins the different clinical presentations (localised, mucocutaneous and diffuse), by producing the first spatially-resolved 'ecological' map of the lesions.
Who can participate
Age range
12 Years – 50 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:
* Willing and able to provide informed consent
* Clinically confirmed CL diagnosis
* Between 12 and 50 years of age
Exclusion Criteria:
* Difficult or too painful sampling zone (see skin biopsy procedure below)
* (Primary) lesion size \< 1 cm
* Already receiving CL treatment or received CL treatment in the last 3 months (excluding traditional medicine)
* Known major comorbidity at time of diagnosis (e.g. VL, HIV, TB, malaria, severe intestinal helminth infection)
* Medical history of VL
* Severely underweight (BMI\<16)
* Known pregnancy
* Use of immunosuppressive medication in the last month
* Known excessive alcohol use (between \>10 intakes/day and \>10 intakes/week)
* History of hypersensitivity to local anaesthetics
* Presence of keloids/hypertrophic scars
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
Spatially resolved immunological characterization of the CL lesion using single cell RNA sequencing and digital spatial profiling
Timeframe: Day 0
2
Genomic characterization of L. aethiopica using whole genome sequencing
Timeframe: Day 0
3
Defining microenvironment and parasite niches in CL lesions using digital spatial profiling
Timeframe: Day 0
4
Spatially resolved determination of the metabolic profile of the CL lesion using spatial OMx
Timeframe: Day 0
5
The association between host/parasite factors and patients after treatment using clinical parameters