Periodical Presumptive Treatment for the Control of Gonococcal Infections Among Sex Workers
Information source: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, CHU de Québec
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this data on August 23, 2015 Link to the current ClinicalTrials.gov record.
Condition(s) targeted: Neisseria Gonorrhoeae Infection; Chlamydia Trachomatis; HIV
Intervention: Monthly antibiotic (Drug); Monthly placebo (Drug)
Phase: Phase 4
Status: Completed
Sponsored by: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, CHU de Québec Official(s) and/or principal investigator(s): Michel Alary, MD, PhD, Principal Investigator, Affiliation: Centre de recherche, Centre hospitalier affilié universitaire de Québec
Summary
In the early years of the HIV epidemic in Africa, female sex workers (FSWs) were identified
as a high-prevalence, high-incidence, core group among whom the extraordinary prevalence of
other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) facilitated transmission of the virus to their
clients, who then infected low-risk women not involved in the sex trade. In resource-poor
settings, control of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) among FSWs is
difficult. The purpose of this study is to determine whether periodical antibiotic treatment
(PAT) is effective in controlling these infections among West African FSWs.
The study is designed as a cluster-randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
conducted in West Africa. The study population consists of "seaters" FSWs who work from
their homes in well-defined areas. Clusters will be paired according to their size and
demographic characteristics of FSWs and clients. Within each pair, one cluster will be
randomly allocated to the intervention and the other to the placebo group.
At enrollment, participants will be interviewed, a pelvic examination performed, cervical
swabs obtained for NG and CT polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and current cervicitis or
vaginitis managed syndromically. Blood specimens will be obtained for HIV testing. All
participants will be given free condoms and counseled on risk reduction.
Monthly follow-up will be conducted within FSW communities, alternating with clinic visits
where cervical samples will be collected. Study drugs (azithromycin 1 g and ciprofloxacin
500 mg, and their identical placebos) will be distributed every month according to a
predefined schedule: directly-observed intake of azithromycin at months 1, 4 and 7, and
ciprofloxacin at months 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 and 9.
Data will be analyzed with SAS. The investigators will assess the time trends in NG and CT
prevalence separately in both study groups using χ2-for-trend.
Clinical Details
Official title: Periodical Presumptive Treatment of Gonorrhoea in Female Sex Workers: Impact on Prevalence of the Disease in Sex Workers and Their Clients
Study design: Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Double Blind (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor), Primary Purpose: Treatment
Primary outcome: Presence of gonococcal infectionPresence of gonococcal infection Presence of gonococcal infection
Secondary outcome: Presence of chlamydia infectionPresence of chlamydia infection Presence of chlamydia infection
Detailed description:
"Seaters" are older, more stable, better organized, and have a much higher prevalence of HIV
infection than FSWs who roam the streets or part-time sex workers. These communities (from
3 to 114 FSWs per site) will be aggregated into 18 clusters (one cluster was composed of
1-10 FSW communities) based on geographical proximity. Over a one-year period, FSWs from
these clusters presenting to dedicated clinics will be invited to participate. In addition,
field workers will visit FSWs at home or at prostitution sites to provide information about
the trial and seek participation.
Clusters will be paired according to their size and demographic characteristics of FSWs and
clients. Within each pair, one cluster will be randomly allocated to the intervention and
the other to the placebo group using pre-coded envelopes. With an average of 35 FSWs per
cluster, the required number of cluster pairs is estimated at 8. 7 to detect a 50% reduction
in NG prevalence, assuming a baseline prevalence of 25%, 80% power and 5% alpha error.
Eligibility
Minimum age: 18 Years.
Maximum age: N/A.
Gender(s): Female.
Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Female sex worker (seater) from one of the selected clusters
Exclusion Criteria:
- Allergy to study drugs
- Pregnancy
- Intention to leave the city within the next 3 months
Locations and Contacts
Dispensaire des infections sexuellement transmissibles, Cotonou, Benin
Additional Information
Starting date: March 2001
Last updated: February 12, 2013
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