Understanding TB Infection Risks in Health Workers
THWART-TB: Testing Health Workers At Risk to Advance Our Understanding of TB Infection
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NCT06221488
This study is trying to understand how health workers in Cape Town respond to tuberculosis infections over a year to find better ways to protect them from getting sick.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Cape Town) |
| Trial ID | NCT06221488 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study focuses on health workers in Cape Town, South Africa, who are at high risk for tuberculosis (TB) infection. It aims to evaluate immune responses to TB through frequent testing every three months over a year, using a combination of novel assays. By characterizing the dynamic immune responses at the time of initial infection, the study seeks to improve understanding of TB infection and identify individuals at risk of developing active TB disease. The findings will help inform targeted preventive strategies for those exposed to TB.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are health workers aged 18 and older who can provide informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients with a prior history of TB or those who have previously tested positive for TB infection will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better identification of individuals at risk for developing active TB, enabling more effective prevention strategies.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on TB infection, this approach of using a combination of novel assays in a high-risk cohort is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ≥18 years old * Health worker * Able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Prior history of TB or known prior positive IGRA * Current or prior history of taking anti-TB treatment
Where this trial is running
Cape Town
- Stellenbosch University — Cape Town, South Africa (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ruvandhi Nathavitharana, MBBS MPH — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ruvandhi Nathavitharana, MBBS MPH
- Email: rnathavi@bidmc.harvard.edu
- Phone: +16467152601
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.
Conditions: Tuberculosis, Tuberculosis Infection, TB, TB infection, Health worker