The Burden of (Neuro)Cysticercosis Among People Living With HIV in Rural Tanzania

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study aims to compare the burden of neurocysticercosis among people living with HIV to people not infected with HIV.

Detailed Description
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People living with HIV and matched HIV negative controls will be tested serologically for cysticercosis, examined neurologically and will undergo CT scanning to determine the prevalence and presentation of NCC. Furthermore, the immune system response in HIV patients with Taenia solium neurocysticercosis will be assessed.

Official Title
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The Burden of (Neuro)Cysticercosis Among People Living With HIV Compared With HIV-negative Individuals in the Rural Southern Highlands in Tanzania

Conditions
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Neurocysticercosis, HIV/AIDS

Intervention / Treatment
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* Diagnostic Test: Diagnosis of (Neuro)cysticercosis


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Patients who consent to participate in the study and testing. Patients of age 14 years and above Patient living inside the study catchment area HIV-positive patients Patient suspected of taeniasis or cysticercosis/neurocysticercosis Exclusion Criteria: Patients with opportunistic infections. Study participants taking anthelminthic drugs PZQ and ALB or have received them within the previous 12 months. Pregnant women Patients that are seriously ill. Patients with epilepsy and other mental disorders that impair thoughts and emotions such as psychosis.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 14 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| People living with HIV<br>People living with HIV (ART naive or on ART) | Diagnostic Test: Diagnosis of (Neuro)cysticercosis<br>* Serological tests for cysticercosis Neurological examination and cerebral CT scan for the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis Stool testing for T. solium<br>|
| People not infected with HIV<br>HIV-negative people. Each participant is matched for age, sex and location to a study participant living with HIV | Diagnostic Test: Diagnosis of (Neuro)cysticercosis<br>* Serological tests for cysticercosis Neurological examination and cerebral CT scan for the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis Stool testing for T. solium<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Prevalence of cysticercosis | Prevalence of cysticercosis among people living with HIV and matched HIV-negative individuals in rural Tanzania where pig farming is common | Single assessment at inclusion into study (serological testing) | 
| Prevalence of neurocysticercosis | Prevalence of neurocysticercosis among people living with HIV and matched HIV-negative individuals in rural Tanzania where pig farming is common | Single assessment through cerebral CT scan at inclusion into study | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Th1 cytokines among neurocysticercosis patients | To compare the specific peripheral immune response against T. solium neurocysticercosis between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients measured by concentration of Th1 cytokines. | One time assessment through immunological testing at inclusion into study |