Cefixime Clinical Trial
The Cefixime clinical trial looks to examine the clinical efficacy of oral Cefixime medication versus standard of care Penicillin G in the treatment of early syphilis infections. The study hopes to build grounds for efficacious treatment for syphilis infections in populations with Penicillin shortages, allergies, and other intolerances. This randomized, open-label, non-inferiority clinical trial looks to enroll 400 participants internationally, with an even split between U.S. sites through the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and Peru through Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia.
Study title: Clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of Cefixime versus Penicillin G for treatment of early syphilis Award number: R01AI155217 Funding source: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Picasso 2 Project
The Picasso 2 study aims to examine immunobiologic response differences between individuals with incident syphilis without prior infection and individuals with repeat syphilis infection in Lima, Peru. Additionally, hypothesizing that there is a difference in clinical manifestations and immunologic responses we will investigate the relationships present between gene expression in each population, immunological response to antigens, and profiles of disease pathogenesis. Lastly, utilizing our current biobank and new specimens from the study we will evaluate new rapid tests. This research will hopefully further advance the understanding of syphilis pathogenesis and improve syphilis control, including an improved understanding of the immune-biology of syphilis infection for vaccine development and enhanced detection methods through rapid point-of-care diagnostics.
Study title: Syphilis immunology and biology to improve clinical management and vaccine design Award number: R01AI139265 Funding source: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Vietnam Project
The study is aimed at improving testing for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae among participants in an HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) program in Hanoi, Vietnam. The project is also trying to better understand the prevalence and risk factors for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in N. gonorrhoeaewithin this population, as well the contribution of commensal Neisseria species to AMR.
Study title: Evaluating STI screening and antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae among PrEP users in Vietnam Award number: R21AI157817 Funding source: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases