Community-based tuberculosis triage testing after symptom screening in hard-to-reach African populations: CAD4TB versus C-reactive protein

Project Details

Description

The main objective of the proposed TB TRIAGE+ project is to assess the accuracy, impact and cost-effectiveness of
CAD4TB and POC-CRP as triage tools for community-based TB screening. To test these tools, we will implement
two trials in rural and semi-rural Lesotho and KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
In the first trial -TB TRIAGE+-ACCURACY- we will assess the diagnostic accuracy of POC-CRP and CAD4TB in 1400
presumptive TB patients and determine the optimal cut-offs for triage testing. In the second, community-based
cluster-randomized trial -TB TRIAGE+-RCT- we will assess the impact of CAD4TB and POC-CRP triage tests on TB
notification rate, diagnostic/treatment delays and patient outcomes, and we will perform health economic and
equity analyses based on the trial data. The triage tests will be used after symptom screening and prior to
confirmatory on-site Xpert MTB/RIF testing. The control arm follows current standard of care with referral for
confirmatory Xpert TB/RIF Ultra at the clinic in individuals presenting TB symptoms. The demonstration phase
design with 35000 participants has been chosen to generate high-level evidence to inform policy.

Description

The main objective of the proposed TB TRIAGE+ project is to assess the accuracy, impact and cost-effectiveness of
CAD4TB and POC-CRP as triage tools for community-based TB screening. To test these tools, we will implement
two trials in rural and semi-rural Lesotho and KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
In the first trial -TB TRIAGE+-ACCURACY- we will assess the diagnostic accuracy of POC-CRP and CAD4TB in 1400
presumptive TB patients and determine the optimal cut-offs for triage testing. In the second, community-based
cluster-randomized trial -TB TRIAGE+-RCT- we will assess the impact of CAD4TB and POC-CRP triage tests on TB
notification rate, diagnostic/treatment delays and patient outcomes, and we will perform health economic and
equity analyses based on the trial data. The triage tests will be used after symptom screening and prior to
confirmatory on-site Xpert MTB/RIF testing. The control arm follows current standard of care with referral for
confirmatory Xpert TB/RIF Ultra at the clinic in individuals presenting TB symptoms. The demonstration phase
design with 35000 participants has been chosen to generate high-level evidence to inform policy.
AcronymTB TRIAGE
StatusActive
Effective start/end date1/01/2031/12/24

Funding

  • The European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership : €465,252.90

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