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.

 

Bresser M et al. Evaluation of COVID-19 antigen rapid diagnostic tests for self-testing in Lesotho and Zambia. PLoS One. 2024;19(2):e0280105. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280105

Gerber F et al. Same-day versus rapid ART initiation in HIV-positive individuals presenting with symptoms of tuberculosis: protocol for an open-label randomized non-inferiority trial in Lesotho and Malawi. PLoS One. 2024;19(2):e0288944. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288944

Vanobberghen F et al. Computer-aided detection thresholds for digital chest radiography interpretation in tuberculosis diagnostic algorithms. ERJ Open Res. 2024;10. DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00508-2023

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. 2023;24(2):153-162. DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13352

Castillo-Mancilla J.R et al. Beyond undetectable: modeling the clinical benefit of improved antiretroviral adherence in persons with human immunodeficiency virus with virologic suppression. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2023;10(5):ofad230. DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad230