Rhinocladiella antibody study v1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development of an antibody test for brain infections caused by the fungus Rhinocladiella mackenziei
IRAS ID
183822
Contact name
R C BARTON
Contact email
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
15-sup-1140, PPP Project Code
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The fungus Rhinocladiella mackenziei causes brain infections which often have poor outcomes, with a high mortality. Rhinocladiella brain infections (RBIs) are only seen in people who live or have lived in the Middle East and surrounding countries such as India, Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan. The infection is rare and we know very little about how it is acquired. This fungus is usually isolated from the brain. It is assumed that this fungus is in the environment in endemic regions and is acquired by inhalation. Currently the only way to diagnose brain infection is by brain biopsy.
This study aims to develop an antibody test for RBI. This will allow us to develop a diagnostic assay which may make diagnosis of RBI easier and also help us understand the epidemiology of Rhinocladiella infection.
REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/0402
Date of REC Opinion
22 Feb 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion