Improving care and surveillance of fevers in the DRC
Aspects Cliniques, Prise en Charge et Surveillance Des Maladies fébriles en RDC
This project tracked people with recent fevers at two hospitals in the DRC to see what causes their fevers, how they are treated, and whether biomarkers like CRP relate to outcomes and antibiotic use.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 500 (estimated) |
| Ages | 2 Months and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Institute of Tropical Medicine, Belgium Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kinshasa) |
| Trial ID | NCT07345286 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This was a prospective observational cohort of patients presenting with recent or ongoing fever at two clinical sites in the Democratic Republic of Congo between 2021 and 2023. Clinical data and laboratory markers, including white blood cell count and C-reactive protein (CRP), were collected at presentation and patients were followed by phone or visit on days 7, 14 and 21. The study recorded diagnoses, clinical course, outcomes and antibiotic prescribing to characterize epidemiology and management patterns. Findings were intended to inform whether biomarkers and guideline tools could help reduce inappropriate antibiotic use in primary-care and emergency settings.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: People (including children older than two months) who present with a measured or recent fever (within 24 hours) to the participating hospitals and can be contacted for follow-up on days 7, 14 and 21 are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Infants under two months, patients recently hospitalized for more than 48 hours in the prior 14 days, or those unable to complete follow-up are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and improve diagnosis and management of febrile illnesses in the DRC using biomarker-informed guidance.
How similar studies have performed: Other observational and interventional studies in low-resource settings have suggested CRP and similar biomarkers can reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing, though evidence remains limited in the DRC specifically.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ongoing fever objectified at presentation, or documented at home or other health center within 24 hours prior to presentation, defined as: axillary or tympanic temperature \> 37.5°C, or oral or rectal temperature \> 38°C. * Opportunity for contact between patient (or designated relative) and study team on days 7, 14 and 21. * Informed consent to participate signed by the patient (adult) or a legally acceptable representative (child or patients whose condition does not allow them to sign informed consent), with the assent of children aged 12 and over, wherever possible. Exclusion Criteria: * Child less than two months old. * Hospitalization of \> 48h in the last 14 days.
Where this trial is running
Kinshasa
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Renaissance — Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Emmanuel Bottieau, PhD — Itm
- Study coordinator: Emmanuel Bottieau, PhD
- Email: ebottieau@itg.be
- Phone: +3232476450
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.