Understanding the spread and impact of monkeypox in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Official title: Monkeypox Biology, Outcome, Transmission and Epidemiology (MBOTE) Study: Epidemiological and Pathophysiological Insights Through a Cross-sectional Survey (EPIC)
Run by Institute of Tropical Medicine, Belgium · NCT06840860 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to understand how monkeypox spreads and affects people in the Democratic Republic of Congo by comparing those who have the virus to those who don’t.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 1000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Institute of Tropical Medicine, Belgium Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Kinshasa, Masina and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 28, 2025 |
| Main results expected | February 28, 2027 |
| Study ends | February 28, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 2, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06840860 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study include individuals of all ages and sexes who are seeking testing for mpox at designated health centers in the DRC.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients under the age of 12 will not benefit from this study due to exclusion from questions regarding sexual health.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to gather insights into the epidemiology and pathophysiology of monkeypox (mpox) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Researchers will conduct a cross-sectional survey to collect data from patients diagnosed with mpox, analyzing how the virus spreads and affects various demographics. A case-control approach will be employed to compare individuals who test positive for mpox with those who test negative, helping to identify risk factors and assess vaccine effectiveness. The study will take place in regions of the DRC that have experienced significant mpox outbreaks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of monkeypox transmission and improve vaccination strategies, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While this study employs a case-control approach, similar studies have shown success in understanding viral infections and their epidemiology, making this approach promising.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Apply to be tested for VMPX at HGR or another test center. * Patients of all ages and sexes. However, minors under the age of 12 are excluded from questions on sex life. * The patient or his/her culturally acceptable representative is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * NA
Where it's running
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Masina Mpox Treatment Center
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo Recruiting -
Masina Mpox Treatment Center
Kinshasa, Masina, Democratic Republic of the Congo Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Laurens Liesenborghs, MD, PhD
- Email: lliesenborghs@itg.be
- Phone: 00000000000
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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mRNA vaccine (BNT166a) for mpox and smallpox prevention in adults in Africa
This tests whether two doses of the mRNA vaccine BNT166a are safe and produce an immune response in healthy adults in Africa, including people who have or have not had prior smallpox or mpox exposure.
-
See if LC16m8 mpox vaccine protects people in the DRC
This study tests whether the LC16m8 mpox vaccine helps prevent mpox in people aged 12 months and older in the DRC.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.