Investigating meningitis causes and prevention in rural Uganda
Meningitis: Burden, Causes, Screening and Prevention in Rural Northern Uganda
This study is trying to understand the causes and prevention of meningitis in rural Uganda by looking at patients with symptoms and screening HIV-positive individuals to improve care and vaccination efforts.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 11100 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Rochester Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lira) |
| Trial ID | NCT05496673 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to explore the burden, causes, diagnostics, treatments, and preventive measures related to meningitis in northern Uganda. It will collect data from 1100 patients presenting with meningitis symptoms at Lira Regional Referral Hospital to assess the disease's impact and identify gaps in care. Additionally, the study will screen 10,000 HIV-infected patients for cryptococcal antigen to improve prevention strategies. The findings are expected to support advocacy for routine vaccination and enhanced screening guidelines.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients of all ages presenting with meningitis symptoms or HIV-infected individuals seeking care at the participating hospitals.
Not a fit: Patients who do not exhibit signs of meningitis or have alternative diagnoses explaining their symptoms will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved meningitis prevention and treatment strategies, ultimately saving lives in Uganda.
How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have been conducted, this specific approach focusing on rural Uganda's unique challenges presents a novel opportunity for impactful findings.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 1100 patients who present with meningitis or meningitis symptoms, regardless of age or vulnerably status are eligible for meningitis testing. * 10,000 HIV-infected patients presenting to LRRH, LRRH HIV Clinic (LIDC) or nearby outpatient clinics, regardless of age or vulnerability status, are eligible for CrAg screening. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who are found not to have meningitis after initial evaluation, or are found to have other alternative diagnoses that explain their symptoms, will be excluded. * HIV-negative patients without signs or symptoms of meningitis.
Where this trial is running
Lira
- Lira Regional Referral Hospital — Lira, Uganda (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Paul Bohjanen, MD
- Email: paul_bohjanen@urmc.rochester.edu
- Phone: 585-275-5871
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.