MedPath

Global Syphilis Sequencing

Completed
Conditions
Syphilis
Interventions
Diagnostic Test: Whole Genome Sequencing
Registration Number
NCT03709862
Lead Sponsor
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Brief Summary

Syphilis is an important sexually transmitted infection. There has been an epidemic of syphilis amongst men who have sex with men in the United Kingdom in the last decade. Early infection with syphilis causes a genital ulcer followed, in the absence of treatment, by a generalised illness often accompanied by rash. Studies on syphilis have been limited because it is not possible to grow syphilis outside of the body. New approaches allow the whole genetic sequence of Treponema pallidum to be obtained from a swab.

In this study residual DNA collected as part of routine patient care of patients seen at sexual health clinics in the UK will be used for sequencing. No patient contact is involved in the study which is limited to whole genome sequencing using residual material from samples. By better understanding the genome of the T.pallidum insights will be gained in to the pathogenesis of this important sexually transmitted disease.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
726
Inclusion Criteria
  • Diagnosis of syphilis
Exclusion Criteria
  • No PCR positive clinical sample

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
SyphilisWhole Genome SequencingPatients with syphilis and detectable Treponema pallidum DNA in a routinely collected clinical sample
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Genomic Diversity of Treponema Pallidum as assessed by nucleotide diversity and phylogenetic lineageMeasured at baseline - time of enrollment. There are no further samples or visits in the study.

Whole genome sequencing of UK and global syphilis samples combined with phylogenomic and population genomic analyses to determine the population structure and diversity of Treponema both regionally and in global context. Diversity will be assessed by measuring nucleotide diversity between samples and reference genomes.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (5)

Mortimer Market Centre

🇬🇧

London, United Kingdom

Penine Acute Hospitals Trust

🇬🇧

Manchester, United Kingdom

University Hospitals Birmingham

🇬🇧

Birmingham, United Kingdom

Brighton and Sussex NHS Trust

🇬🇧

Brighton, United Kingdom

Leeds University Teaching Hospital

🇬🇧

Leeds, United Kingdom

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