RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Rapid Molecular Diagnosis and Detection of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Patients With Tropical Fever (Tropifever)

This study, called 'Tropifever', focuses on people who develop a fever after returning from tropical countries. Often, it's hard for doctors in A&E to quickly figure out what's causing these fevers, especially beyond malaria which is usually checked. Many different tropical infections can have similar symptoms. The research wants to improve how we test for these infections. By finding out the exact cause of a fever sooner, doctors can give the most suitable treatment. This also helps public health experts identify and respond quickly if a new or unusual infection starts spreading. The study will compare current testing methods with a new, more thorough approach in people arriving at A&E with a fever after travel.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris

Enrolment target

564

Start

26 Aug 2024

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Infectious Diseases in Febrile Patients Returning From Tropical Countries

What is this study about?

When people get a fever after visiting tropical places, it can be really tricky for doctors to figure out what's going on. While malaria is often checked, there isn't a clear guide for testing other types of infections that someone might pick up. Many tropical illnesses, including new ones, can have similar symptoms, making it hard to pinpoint the exact cause.

This study is all about making that process better. Fast and accurate testing is super important because it helps doctors give the right treatment quickly. Without knowing what infection someone has, it's difficult to provide the best care or even know if they need special monitoring. It also helps if doctors can spot unusual infections early, as this can alert health authorities to potential new outbreaks that could affect more people.

So, the 'Tropifever' study wants to see if using a more thorough and systematic way of testing for infections changes anything. They will compare the usual way things are done with a new approach that includes more detailed tests. This comparison will happen in different hospitals and will help them understand if the new testing strategy offers better results for patients coming into A&E with a fever after their travels.

Key takeaways

The study aims to improve how fevers are diagnosed in people returning from tropical trips.
It compares standard testing with a more thorough approach.
Better diagnosis helps doctors give the right treatment faster.
It can also help spot new or unusual infections early.
Participation involves special tests during your A&E visit, not extra appointments.
You can always choose not to take part or to withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you would need to be 18 years old or older. You must have a fever (a temperature above 38°C) that a doctor measures when you arrive at the emergency department. Also, you should have returned from a tropical country (like places in Africa, South and Southeast Asia, or Central and South America) within the past 28 days.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if your fever is so serious that you need to be admitted to hospital, or if you're too unwell to understand and agree to take part. If you have any legal guardianships or protections, or if you simply don't want to participate, then you wouldn't be included.

The study is for adults over 18 who are well enough not to need ward admission, and who have a fever after recent tropical travel. If you meet these simple requirements, you might be suitable for the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you currently have a fever (temperature over 38°C) measured in A&E?
Have you returned from a tropical country in the last 28 days?
Do you feel well enough not to require immediate hospital admission?
Can you understand and agree to take part in the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, when you arrive at the emergency department with a fever after recent travel, your doctor might use a new, more detailed testing approach to figure out what's causing your fever. This would involve specific blood tests and other samples to check for a wider range of infections than might usually be done.

There are no extra visits to the hospital just for the study, as all tests and assessments happen during your emergency department visit. The study is focused on how your fever is diagnosed, not on trying out new medications. The duration of your involvement would be during your time in the emergency department for your fever diagnosis.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might mean doctors get a more precise and quicker diagnosis for your fever, potentially leading to more targeted treatment. This could help you recover faster and ensure any unusual infections are identified promptly. The main risks would be those associated with routine blood tests, such as slight bruising or discomfort. You are always free to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Service des Urgences
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'tropical country'?

For this study, tropical countries include places like those in Sub-Saharan Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and Central and South America. These are regions where certain types of infections are more common.

Will I get paid to take part?

No, this study does not offer payment for participation. It focuses on improving diagnosis methods for public health.

What happens if they find a new or unusual infection?

If an unusual infection is found, it helps doctors give you the best specific treatment. It also helps public health experts understand and track new diseases, which can protect the wider community.

Will my regular emergency care be affected?

No, your regular care in the emergency department will not be affected. This study aims to improve the diagnostic part of your care, not change your treatment or how doctors look after you.

What if I don't want to have extra tests?

You are absolutely free to say no to any tests or to taking part in the study. Your decision will not affect the medical care you receive.

How to find out more

Nathan PEIFFER-SMADJA, MD, PhD

nathan.peiffer-smadja@aphp.fr 01 40 25 73 11 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.