Unit | Clinical Research

Participant in paediatric TB diagnostic trial, Bagamoyo, Tanzania

The Clinical Research Unit (CRU) at Swiss TPH designs, conducts, and reports on clinical research studies, primarily in and for low- and middle-income countries, with a focus on vulnerable populations.

In collaboration with international partner institutions, we conduct high-quality scientific studies in the areas of tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, febrile illnesses, neglected tropical diseases, non-communicable chronic diseases, and mental health. The goal of our work is to gain knowledge about novel clinical tools or interventions, share our findings with the scientific community and the public, inform health policy, and translate knowledge into improved health. We typically work in multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary projects in which building research capacity plays a central role. We provide teaching, training and mentoring for students and young scientists at Swiss TPH and at our partner organizations around the globe.

 

Kopo M et al. Effectiveness of a peer educator-coordinated preference-based differentiated service delivery model on viral suppression among young people living with HIV in Lesotho: the PEBRA cluster-randomized trial. PLoS Med. 2023;20(1):e1004150. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004150

Ntinginya N.E et al. TB-molecular bacterial load assay reveals early delayed bacterial killing in relapse patients. Clin Infect Dis. 2023;76(3):e990-e994. DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac445

Brown J.A et al. Dolutegravir in real life: self-reported mental and physical health outcomes after transitioning from efavirenz- to dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy in a prospective cohort study in Lesotho. HIV Med. 2022(in press). DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13352

Gils T et al. Feasibility of implementing the advanced HIV disease care package as part of community-based HIV/TB activities: a mixed-methods study protocol. BMJ Open. 2022;12(2):e057291. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057291

Haak F et al. Predicting complicated appendicitis based on clinical findings: the role of Alvarado and appendicitis inflammatory response scores. Langenbecks Arch Surg. 2022;407(5):2051-2057. DOI: 10.1007/s00423-022-02533-5