MedPath

Field Studies on the Feasibility of Interrupting the Transmission of Soil-transmitted Helminths (STH)

Phase 3
Active, not recruiting
Conditions
Helminthiasis
Filariasis
Interventions
Registration Number
NCT03014167
Lead Sponsor
University of Washington
Brief Summary

Over 1.5 billion people are infected with soil-transmitted helminths (STH). Global STH guidelines recommend MDA (mass drug administration) of albendazole or mebendazole to targeted populations, including pre-school age children and school-age children. However mathematical models suggests that current MDA strategies are not sufficient for interrupting disease transmission in most areas. Meanwhile many lymphatic filariasis (LF) programs have successfully treated entire populations with albendazole (in combination with ivermectin or diethylcarbamazine) and are transitioning to a state of post-MDA surveillance. This project will conduct a series of community-based cluster randomized trials in India, Malawi, and Benin to determine if maintaining three years of MDA with albendazole to entire communities following the cessation of LF programs can interrupt STH transmission in focal geographic areas. Additionally, this study aims to compare the efficacy of community-wide MDA versus targeted MDA of children in interrupting the transmission of STH. Nested implementation science research will be used to optimize the intervention, identify contextual factors influencing trial efficacy, and evaluate the feasibility of sustaining and scaling community-wide MDA for STH. These data will provide evidence necessary to inform future guidelines, policies, and operational plans as country partners engage in intensified approaches to eliminate these disabling diseases.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
502363
Inclusion Criteria
  • Ages 12 months and older

Treatment

Exclusion Criteria
  • Children under 12 months of age
  • Pregnant women in their first trimester
  • History of adverse reaction to benzimidazoles

Outcome Sampling Inclusion Criteria:

  • Resident of study clusters
  • Ages 12 months and older
  • Willingness of adult aged 18 years and above (or age as per country specific ethical guidelines) or parent/guardian of child to provide written informed consent
  • Provision of written assent to participate from children aged 8 years and above (or age as per country specific ethical guidelines)

Outcome Sampling Exclusion Criteria:

  • Less than 12 months of age
  • Individuals who do not typically reside in the study cluster
  • Nonconsenting or assenting individuals, as applicable

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Community-wide dewormingAlbendazoleTwice-yearly community-wide treatment delivered by drug distributors door to door or via community gatherings, depending upon the format of the prior LF program, for three years. All individuals above the age of 12 months will receive a single dose of albendazole.
Targeted dewormingAlbendazolePre-school (pre-SAC) and school-age children (SAC) 12 months of age and older will receive albendazole delivered in accordance with national Ministry of Health guidelines for three years.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
STH transmission interruption5 years (Three years of drug administration and two years of surveillance)

Prevalence of STH infection ≤2% 24 months following the final round of mass drug administration with albendazole

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (3)

Institut de Recherche pour le Développement

🇧🇯

Comé, Benin

London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

🇲🇼

Mangochi, Malawi

Christian Medical College

🇮🇳

Vellore, India

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath