West Nile Virus Infection

West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus that usually causes a mild illness but can lead to severe brain infection called neuroinvasive disease in a small number of cases. This severe form can be life-threatening, especially in older adults. Researchers believe that certain antibodies against interferons may explain why some patients develop serious disease, and they are studying whether early treatment with interferon beta can help prevent severe neuroinvasive WNV disease. This is a phase 2, randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled trial evaluating subcutaneous injections of interferon beta-1a (Rebif) at 44 mcg every 48 hours for a total of three doses. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either interferon beta-1a or a placebo (normal saline) under this schedule. Patients diagnosed with WNV infection will be recruited and treated either in the hospital or outpatient clinic, with follow-up visits every three months for one year. Participants will undergo diagnostic tests including blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid samples to confirm WNV infection and to study antibodies and inflammatory markers. They will be monitored for clinical outcomes such as death, intubation, neurological function, and cognitive assessments at various time points up to 12 months. Safety monitoring will include routine blood work. Data will be securely stored, and researchers will review clinical progress and mortality over the year-long follow-up period.

Researchers are evaluating the protective efficacy of Mossie-GO, an active spatial repellent device that releases transfluthrin, to reduce malaria prevalence in children 5 years old and younger in Uganda. This cluster-randomized, double-blinded control trial aims to measure how well the device lowers malaria cases confirmed by rapid diagnostic tests and microscopy, while also assessing its impact on mosquito behavior, resistance, and diversion effects on nearby unprotected individuals. The study includes surveys and safety monitoring. The Mossie-GO device is a small solar-powered fan unit that holds repellent discs treated with transfluthrin, designed to prevent mosquito bites and reduce mosquito populations when used overnight for 8 to 12 hours. Households in the intervention group receive devices with treated discs and monthly refills, while control households receive devices with untreated blank discs and refills to maintain blinding. The device is placed in the room where the enrolled child sleeps. Participants continue standard malaria prevention such as bed nets. Participants are monitored at baseline and followed for up to 18 months, covering two malaria transmission seasons. Assessments include malaria testing in children using blood tests, household surveys, mosquito collection with light traps and human landing catches, air sampling to measure repellent concentration, and acceptability surveys. Data on adverse events and intervention safety are collected. The trial involves 56 clusters with about 100 households sampled for detailed evaluation in core zones, plus additional monitoring in buffer zones.

Researchers are investigating vector-borne diseases, which are infections caused by bites from mosquitoes, flies, fleas, ticks, or other blood-feeding insects. These diseases contribute to nearly one million deaths annually and are increasing, especially in Southeast Asia. This study aims to better understand these illnesses in Cambodia, where they may account for about 10% of fevers, by identifying pathogens using advanced metagenomic sequencing techniques. Participants include people aged 2 months to 65 years who have a fever of at least 38 degrees Celsius or have been diagnosed with important infectious pathogens. Close contacts of infected individuals may also join. Participants provide information about their health, travel, sex, age, and residence. Blood samples are collected, and nasal swabs are taken if respiratory symptoms are present. Optional follow-up blood samples and nasal swabs may be taken within 1-2 weeks and/or up to 3 months after enrollment. During the study, participants complete questionnaires and undergo medical history screening. Children are weighed to ensure suitability for blood sampling. The researchers will analyze pathogen sequences from samples collected between day 0 and 2 of enrollment and assess immune reactions to insect saliva. This study includes long-term tracking through optional follow-up samples to better understand disease spread and impact in the region.

Researchers are studying visuospatial abilities and psychological outcomes in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and West Nile virus infection (vWN). Both conditions can affect cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and executive skills. This study aims to better understand these impairments and test a new rehabilitation approach to improve visuospatial and cognitive functions. Participants will receive 10 sessions over 2 weeks of cognitive training using Mindlenses Professional, a device that combines prismatic adaptation therapy with digital serious games targeting attention, executive functions, and language. There is also a comparison group receiving standard computerized cognitive rehabilitation offered by the hospital. During the study, patients will undergo neuropsychological and psychological evaluations before and after the treatment to assess changes in cognitive performance and psychological status. The primary outcome measures cognitive changes after the 2-week intervention, while secondary outcomes assess psychological effects. The study involves randomized assignment and single masking, with a total participation period of about 2 weeks.

Researchers are investigating the spread and impact of multiple infectious diseases in Cambodia, a country facing challenges in disease surveillance and laboratory capacity. This nationwide study uses a One Health approach to better understand disease burden, transmission, and population immunity for a broad range of pathogens including zoonotic, vector-borne, vaccine-preventable, and neglected tropical diseases. The goal is to provide evidence that supports targeted and culturally appropriate public health interventions and to create a model that can be applied in similar low- and middle-income countries. The study will enroll about 10,000 participants aged 2 to 75 from urban and rural areas across Cambodia through a multi-stage population sampling method. Participants will complete standardized questionnaires covering demographics, health status, mobility, animal contact, and healthcare access. Blood samples will be collected for multiplex serology to detect antibodies against 57 priority pathogens. This observational study does not involve treatments but focuses on extensive data and sample collection to support research and policy development. Participants will be visited at home for blood sampling and questionnaire completion between December 2025 and April 2026. Researchers will measure the presence of antibodies to assess prior exposure to various pathogens. The study also includes building a biobank and curated datasets for long-term research use. Community engagement and collaboration with national stakeholders aim to facilitate the uptake of findings. The total participation period spans the inclusion period with no intervention, focusing on observation and data collection.