Study on Meningitis Causes, Diagnosis, and Prevention in Northern Uganda Including Screening for Cryptococcal Infection in HIV-Positive Patients

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to understand the burden, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of meningitis in northern Uganda. The study will collect detailed information to identify gaps in care and support routine vaccination for bacterial meningitis and improved screening guidelines for cryptococcal meningitis among HIV-positive patients. The University of Rochester sponsors this effort to improve meningitis care and outcomes in this region. Participants include 1100 patients admitted with meningitis symptoms at Lira Regional Referral Hospital and 10,000 HIV-positive patients screened for cryptococcal antigenemia. Modern diagnostic tests such as cryptococcal antigen lateral flow assay, Pastorex antigen agglutination assay, and Biofire PCR will be used to detect infectious agents and evaluate meningitis causes and risks. During the study, participants will undergo clinical assessments and diagnostic testing. Researchers will monitor deaths during hospitalization and up to 24 months after admission, as well as track cryptococcal antigen-positive cases and development of overt cryptococcal meningitis. The study will assess outcomes over two years, aiming to improve meningitis prevention strategies and care in Uganda.

Meningitis: Burden, Causes, Screening and Prevention in Rural Northern Uganda