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Silicosis and Silicotuberculosis Among Small Scale Gemstone Miners in Northern Tanzania

NCT06403800 · Status: RECRUITING · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 1400

Last updated 2024-05-16

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Artisanal, small-scale mining (ASM) is a large and essential component of the world's economy. Despite attendant risks, there is little research into risks to the health of artisanal miners. The tanzanite gemstone is mined exclusively in Northern Tanzania, in deep shafts using ASM techniques. There is concerning evidence that the burden of silicosis and tuberculosis (TB) amongst miners is high. In addition to miners' personal risks, there is concern that a high rate of silicotuberculosis may hamper community control of TB.

Our primary aim is to measure the rate of silicosis progression among tanzanite miners. Our secondary aims include measuring the prevalence of TB among miners, describing TB transmission patterns in miners and the community, and assessing rates of 'catastrophic' economic loss amongst miners.

To do this, the investigators propose two studies. First, the investigators will establish a prospective cohort of 410 small scale tanzanite miners and record symptoms, respiratory function including spirometry, chest radiography, and prevalence of TB and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection over an 18-month period. Second, the investigators will utilize an ongoing community-based TB screening program to perform a cross-sectional survey of TB prevalence among miners and community members. To assess TB transmission, the investigators will collect epidemiological data and perform whole genome sequencing (WGS) on positive Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTb) culture samples.

Given the lack of research and large global ASM workforce, 1 million of whom are in Tanzania, the results of this study will assist in the development and introduction of interventions to reduce the risks to respiratory health of artisanal mining in Tanzania and elsewhere; and provide ample scope for future work.

Conditions

Interventions

OTHER

No intervention

No intervention

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Kibong'oto Infectious Disease Hospital, Tanzania

    collaborator UNKNOWN

  • National Heart and Lung Institute

    lead OTHER

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Sex
MALE
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2024-03-11
Primary Completion
2025-10-01
Completion
2025-12-01

Countries

  • Tanzania

Study Locations

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Entities

Diseases

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT06403800 on ClinicalTrials.gov