Same Day Diagnosis of Extrapulmonary TB (TB Serositis and TB Meningitis). (NCT06135818) | Clinical Trial Compass
UnknownNot Applicable
Same Day Diagnosis of Extrapulmonary TB (TB Serositis and TB Meningitis).
South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe2,160 participantsStarted 2021-03-16
Plain-language summary
Extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) accounts for nearly 30% of TB cases in HIV endemic settings, such as South Africa. The diagnosis of extrapulmonary TB is complicated by the poor performance of Gene Xpert and TB Culture in extrapulmonary fluid (30-50% sensitive), as well as the poor specificity of ADA. We can therefore not reliably use these tests to diagnose EPTB as effectively as we use them in sputum samples. The current best practice for diagnosing pleural TB is to perform a pleural biopsy, which is both invasive and costly. A rapid, easy to use test is needed to allow accurate and fast diagnosis of EPTB. Interferon-gamma is released at high concentrations in extrapulmonary fluid in active EPTB. Antrum Biotech has developed the IRISA-TB assay (validated and SAHPRA licenced) for the diagnosis of EPTB.
The study will assess the real-world performance of IRISA-TB compared to ADA, Gene Xpert, and TB Culture when used to diagnose EPTB. We will evaluate IRISA-TB's performance in the following patient groups:
* Suspected TB pleural effusion (n= 650)
* Suspected TB pericardial effusion (n= 280)
* Suspected TB peritonitis (n= 200)
* Suspected TB meningitis (n = 1040) As part of our evaluation, we will ask clinicians who treat these patients to provide their feedback on IRISA-TB. We will ask them to indicate to what extent the IRISA-TB test helped them to make treatment decisions. Finally, we will conduct an economic assessment to determine the true cost of diagnosing and treating EPTB to the health system and patients, and we will determine how IRISA-TB could potentially result in cost savings.
Who can participate
Age range
18 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
. Male or female participants 18 years and over attending health care facility with symptoms of TB.
. Serosal or CSF fluid sample provided to NHLS with sufficient volume to perform SOC tests + 1ml.
. Patients in whom extrapulmonary TB is part of the treating clinicians' differential diagnosis.
Exclusion criteria
. Volunteers who refuse to sign informed consent and/or provide clinical details (Proxy consent will be obtained for participants who are incapacitated, with a follow up consent when they have recovered their capacity to consent)
. Patients with current significant history of substance or alcohol abuse that may impact study visits.
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.