The multidimensional, multiparameter phenotyping study (ImmStat@Cure, NCT04342715) within the PREV_PKDL project has kicked-off in April 2022. This study aims at understanding the pathogenesis of post kala azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) - and the underlying immune mechanism - in patients treated for visceral leishmaniasis (VL). ImmStat@Cure is designed as a multicentre study across four endemic East African countries: Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Sudan. Following a pre-initiation hands-on training at the field site in Kimalel Sub-County, the first cohort volunteer has been enrolled at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI, Kenya).
Pre-Initiation hands-on training at Kimalel Sub-County Hospital, Kenya on 09-11 February 2022
Key to the success of the study is the setting up of flow cytometry capacity at each site that will allow to investigate and monitor changes in the immune response status. Particularly for multicentre studies, flow cytometry brings challenges, including access to expertise, equipment support, protocol harmonisation / standardisation and data management. The project has created a network of Flow Cytometry Centres across the research sites, linked in real time to a support centre based at University of York, U.K.