Yaounde

Researchers are studying onchocerciasis river blindness, a leading cause of infectious blindness worldwide, mainly affecting Africa. The study aims to develop and evaluate a new rapid diagnostic test to improve detection of onchocerciasis, especially in areas where related parasitic infections like loiasis and mansonellosis occur. This is part of the World Health Organizations 2021-2030 roadmap to eliminate onchocerciasis transmission by improving diagnostic tools. The study involves cross-sectional research conducted over one year in Cameroon, targeting adults 18 and older. Participants include people without filariasis and those mono-infected with Onchocerca volvulus, Loa loa, or Mansonella perstans. After screening and consent, blood and feces samples are collected from participants. Blood is processed and stored at very low temperatures before being sent to a laboratory for development and evaluation of the new diagnostic test. Participants will undergo initial screening to diagnose filarial infections, followed by sample collection if eligible. Researchers will update data on disease prevalence and assess the performance of the new test over 52 weeks. The study includes careful sample handling and transport, with results intended to support onchocerciasis control programs. The total involvement includes screening, sample collection, and follow-up during the study period.

Researchers are evaluating a same-day cervical cancer screening strategy in Cameroon that uses HPV self-sampling followed by digital telecytology triage for women who test positive for HPV. The study focuses on women aged 30 to 49 years, or 25 to 49 years if HIV-positive, aiming to assess the accuracy and practicality of this approach in detecting cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse CIN2. The study also explores AI-assisted telecytology and visual inspection with acetic acid VIA as secondary tools, and assesses the acceptability of these screening and treatment methods among women and healthcare providers. Participants will collect vaginal samples for primary HPV testing using the GeneXpert system, which provides rapid detection and detailed genotyping. Women positive for HPV16 will be offered immediate thermal ablation treatment. Those positive for HPV types 18, 31, 33, 35, 45, 52, or 58 undergo same-day triage with digital telecytology, and if cytology shows abnormalities, thermal ablation is provided. Women positive for other HPV types will be followed up after 12 months without immediate treatment unless clinically needed. All HPV-positive women will receive endocervical sampling and biopsy as part of the diagnostic process. During the study, participants will undergo visual inspection, cytology slide preparation, and biopsies with remote evaluation by cytopathologists. Women with abnormal cytology are treated on the same day, and those diagnosed with CIN2 receive appropriate treatment. Follow-up includes telephone calls 4 to 6 weeks after treatment to monitor side effects and acceptability, and a 12-month visit for repeat HPV testing and further examination when needed. The study will measure diagnostic accuracy, feasibility of the test-triage-treat method, AI tool performance, and acceptability over up to 26 months.

Researchers are evaluating doravirine as an alternative to dolutegravir in people newly diagnosed with HIV-1 infection who have not yet received treatment. This Phase III, open-label, randomized clinical trial aims to determine if doravirine combined with tenofovir and lamivudine is not less effective than dolutegravir combined with tenofovir and lamivudine or emtricitabine. The study will be conducted across multiple countries including Brazil, Cameroon, Cte dIvoire, France, Mozambique, and Thailand, enrolling 610 participants. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one receiving doravirine 100 mg plus tenofovir DF 300 mg and lamivudine 300 mg daily, and the other receiving dolutegravir 50 mg plus tenofovir DF 300 mg and either lamivudine or emtricitabine daily. The treatment period will last for 96 weeks after starting antiretroviral therapy ART, with primary assessment at week 48 to measure viral suppression. During the study, participants will undergo evaluations to monitor viral load, drug resistance, metabolic health, body weight changes, liver and kidney function, cardiovascular status, and mental health. Adherence to ART will be tracked, and blood samples will be taken to measure drug levels and immune cell counts. The research team will review virological efficacy and safety outcomes at weeks 48 and 96, supporting a comprehensive understanding of the treatments effects over nearly two years of participation.

This registry collects detailed information about children diagnosed with cancer who are treated in pediatric oncology units affiliated with the French African Oncology Group in French-speaking Africa. Its goal is to gather data on patient numbers, cancer stage, treatments received, and outcomes to support better planning and delivery of pediatric oncology care in the region. The registry aims to provide valuable insights for local and national health authorities to improve pediatric cancer programs. Children and adolescents under 18 years old who present at participating pediatric oncology units and have any type of cancer are included in this observational registry. Data collected includes demographic information, socioeconomic status, clinical details, treatment status, vital status, treatment abandonment, and loss to follow-up. The information is entered online using the REDCap system and securely stored by the IT department at Gustave ROUSSY in Paris. Participants information is gathered continuously during their treatment and follow-up at the hospital units. The main measures tracked include the number of children suspected of having cancer within 12-month periods, their vital status, illness status, and treatment status. This ongoing data collection helps monitor outcomes and supports healthcare planning. Participation involves no experimental treatment and is focused on data recording and observation over time.

Researchers are studying how three different menstrual products menstrual pads, tampons, and menstrual cups affect the bacterial makeup of the vaginal microbiome. This study takes place across three countries Peru, Cameroon, and Switzerland. The goal is to understand how these products influence vaginal health by following participants over several menstrual cycles. The study uses a randomized crossover design without a dedicated control group, allowing each participant to use all three products in different orders. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of six sequences, each involving the use of tampons, cups, and pads for two menstrual cycles each. This means each participant will use each product for about two months, totaling six months of study participation. Self-sampling kits will be provided, containing swabs for collecting vaginal microbiome samples at three points during each menstrual cycle. Participants will collect vaginal swab samples themselves during their menstrual cycles and provide self-reported information on vaginal health complaints monthly. Researchers will analyze various measures such as the balance of specific bacteria, vaginal pH, bacterial diversity, and molecular biomarkers. These assessments will occur monthly throughout the six-month study. This detailed monitoring aims to reveal how menstrual products impact vaginal bacterial communities and overall vaginal health.

Researchers are investigating the transmission of simian foamy viruses from monkeys to humans, focusing on populations at risk in rural areas of southern Cameroon. These viruses, which come from nonhuman primates sharing many biological traits with humans, have historically crossed species boundaries and contributed to viral diseases such as HIV. The study aims to better understand how foamy viruses spread to humans, especially through frequent contact like hunting, and to explore early stages of viral emergence and possible family transmission. The study includes several phases initially, adults living in rural Cameroon are tested for foamy virus infection through blood samples and questionnaires about contact with nonhuman primates. In subsequent phases, family members of infected individuals are also studied to assess intrafamilial transmission. Additional clinical and biological examinations, including saliva collection and detailed blood tests, are conducted on infected participants at a central facility. The study covers both infected and uninfected adults living in these forested areas. Participants will undergo physical exams and blood draws multiple times throughout the study. Researchers collect epidemiological data via questionnaires and analyze biological samples for antibodies and viral DNA. The main outcomes measured include the presence of specific antibodies and viral DNA in blood over a three-year period. The study also monitors clinical and immunological features of infected individuals and evaluates potential risk factors. Transportation, accommodation, and meals are provided for visits requiring travel to the central study location.

Researchers are evaluating the use of Misoprostol to improve cervical cancer prevention in non-pregnant women who are undergoing cancer screening with visual inspection using acetic acid VIA. This trial focuses on women with a Type 3 transformation zone TZ and compares the effects of Misoprostol versus a placebo. The study is a double-blind randomized controlled trial involving 420 participants. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either 600 mcg of Misoprostol 3 tablets or an identical placebo, both administered vaginally. The medication is given twice once 2-3 hours before VIA and again 4-6 hours prior. The study aims to observe the conversion rate from Type 3 TZ to Types 1 or 2 TZ at these two time points. During the trial, women will undergo VIA screening after receiving the study medication. Researchers will measure the rate at which the transformation zone changes type and compare the results between the two time windows after drug administration. The primary outcome is the conversion rate from Type 3 to Types 1 or 2 TZ. Secondary outcomes include comparing conversion rates between the two different timing intervals. The trial is expected to conclude by November 2027.