ACT5 completed pilot phase in Ca Mau

Researchers in Ca Mau (a southern province of Vietnam) have completed the pilot phase of the ACT5 study “Test and Treat to End TB”, an NHMRC project grant. The goal of this study is to end tuberculosis. The pilot phase has two components:

1: Test

The ‘test’ component involved community-wide screening of all community members for latent tuberculosis (LTBI). A tuberculin skin test was done, followed by more screening if required. The follow-up screening included a sputum by Xpert, chest x-ray and blood tests. Field staff made the process as convenient as possible for participants by performing tests in the participants’ home and set up local pop-up testing centres.

2: Treatment

The ‘treat’ component involved commencing participants on treatment who have screened positive for LTBI. A newer treatment was used which was a single dose, once a week treatment regimen for 12 weeks. However, in the interim whilst the necessary approvals were being sought, a well-established treatment for LTBI was administered which was a daily dose dispensed for 18 weeks.

The pilot study has progressed well and results from the study will be used to refine training, procedures, methods and materials before embarking on the larger study. Over 100,000 members of the community will be tested in Ca Mau and it is estimated that 30,000 participants will be treated with LTBI treatment.

In four years’ time, the effectiveness will be measured by comparing the prevalence of tuberculosis in those communities which received the intervention with those communities who did not receive the intervention. 

The research team in Ca Mau is being led by Khanh Luu Boi with close supervision by Woolcock Vietnam’s Country Director, Dr Thu Anh Nguyen.