The PEP++ study protocol: a cluster-randomised controlled trial on the effectiveness of an enhanced regimen of post-exposure prophylaxis for close contacts of persons affected by leprosy to prevent disease transmission.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Leprosy is an infectious disease with a slow decline in global annual caseload in the past two decades. Active case finding and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with a single dose of rifampicin (SDR) are recommended by the World Health Organization as measures for leprosy elimination. However, more potent PEP regimens are needed to increase the effect in groups highest at risk (i.e., household members and blood relatives, especially of multibacillary patients). The PEP++ trial will assess the effectiveness of an enhanced preventive regimen against leprosy in high-endemic districts in India, Brazil, Bangladesh, and Nepal compared with SDR-PEP.

Methods

The PEP++ study is a cluster-randomised controlled trial in selected districts of India, Brazil, Bangladesh, and Nep

SUBMITTER: Hinders DC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10877766 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature