Silicosis and Silicotuberculosis Among Small Scale Gemstone Miners in Northern Tanzania: SilicoTB

Status: Recruiting
Location: See location...
Intervention Type: Other
Study Type: Observational
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.

Eligibility
Participation Requirements
Sex: Male
Minimum Age: 18
Healthy Volunteers: t
View:

• Age \> 18 years

• Ability to provide informed consent

• Miner or community member (defined as all individuals not directly involved in mining)

• HIV positive and negative individuals

• Age \> 18 years

• Ability to provide informed consent

• Current miner in an artisanal, small-scale tanzanite mine that is part of this study

• Male

• Mine exposure starting \<10 years ago

• HIV positive and negative individuals

Locations
Other Locations
United Republic of Tanzania
Kibong'oto Infectious Diseases Hospital
RECRUITING
Sanya Juu
Contact Information
Primary
Patrick J Howlett, MB ChB
patrick.howlett@gmail.com
+447793198119
Backup
Bibie N Said, MD
bibiesd90@gmail.com
+255 718 762 991
Time Frame
Start Date: 2024-03-11
Estimated Completion Date: 2025-12-01
Participants
Target number of participants: 1400
Treatments
Cross-sectional study
In the cross-sectional study group, we will enroll approximately 1400 miners and community members from an ongoing community-based, screening program, which is led by Kibong'oto Infectious Diseases Hospital (KIDH), and from incident TB cases from the local Mererani health centre and KIDH clinic.
Cohort group
We will enroll the prospective cohort group of 410 small-scale tanzanite miners from within the cross-sectional study group (nested). They will be sampled from specific mines chosen by a random stratified sample of mines.
Sponsors
Leads: National Heart and Lung Institute
Collaborators: Kibong'oto Infectious Disease Hospital, Tanzania

This content was sourced from clinicaltrials.gov

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