Genital Tract Infections, the Vaginal Microbiome and Gestational Age at Birth Among Pregnant Wome… (NCT06131749) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Genital Tract Infections, the Vaginal Microbiome and Gestational Age at Birth Among Pregnant Women in South Africa
South Africa603 participantsStarted 2021-03-01
Plain-language summary
This cohort study plans to investigate associations between the presence of multiple lower genital tract microorganisms in pregnancy and gestational age at birth.
The study enrols pregnant women at one public health care facility in East London, South Africa. At enrolment and 30-34 weeks of pregnancy, participants provide swabs for testing for sexually transmitted infections, vaginal yeasts and genital mycoplasmas; for microscopy and Nugent scoring; and for 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene sequencing and quantification. The primary outcome is gestational age at birth.
Statistical analyses include: regression modelling to explore associations between specific microorganisms (including microbiota) and gestational age at birth; construction of an index of vaginal inflammation, using data about microorganism load and inflammatory potential; classification and regression tree analysis to examine which combinations of microorganisms contribute to earlier gestational age at birth.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
FEMALE
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:
* Living in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
* Intend to deliver in the same municipality
* \<27 weeks of gestation at enrolment, confirmed by ultrasound
* Provide written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* Participation in any other research study
* Inability to understand and speak a local language (English, Afrikaans, or isiXhosa).
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.