Silicosis and Silicotuberculosis Among Small Scale Gemstone Miners in Northern Tanzania
Launched by NATIONAL HEART AND LUNG INSTITUTE · May 3, 2024
Trial Information
Current as of August 29, 2025
Recruiting
Keywords
ClinConnect Summary
This clinical trial is studying the health risks, particularly silicosis and tuberculosis (TB), among small-scale gemstone miners in Northern Tanzania. Silicosis is a lung disease caused by breathing in tiny dust particles from rocks, while tuberculosis is a contagious infection that mainly affects the lungs. The researchers want to understand how these conditions progress in miners, how common TB is among them, and how it spreads within their communities. They will do this by following a group of 410 miners over 18 months, examining their lung health and looking for signs of TB and HIV infection. Additionally, they will gather information from the local community to better understand the overall TB situation.
To join the study, participants must be men over 18 years old who are currently working in tanzanite mines and can provide informed consent. Those who have been mining for less than ten years are eligible. Participants will undergo regular health checks, including breathing tests and chest x-rays, and will also have the chance to help improve health resources for miners in Tanzania and beyond. This research aims to ultimately reduce the health risks associated with artisanal mining and offers opportunities for future studies in this area.
Gender
MALE
Eligibility criteria
- • For the cross-sectional survey, inclusion criteria will be
- • 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
- • For the cohort study, inclusion criteria will be
- • 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
- • For the cross-sectional survey, there are no exclusion criteria.
- For the cohort study, exclusion criteria will be:
- • - Plans to move away from area in next 18 months
About National Heart And Lung Institute
The National Heart and Lung Institute (NHLI) is a leading research organization dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. As a prominent sponsor of clinical trials, NHLI focuses on innovative research that aims to improve patient outcomes and enhance the quality of care in heart and lung health. With a commitment to scientific excellence, the institute collaborates with a network of healthcare professionals, academic institutions, and industry partners to facilitate groundbreaking studies that address pressing health challenges. Through rigorous clinical investigation, NHLI strives to translate research findings into effective therapies and preventive strategies for patients worldwide.
Contacts
Jennifer Cobb
Immunology at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Locations
Sanya Juu, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Patients applied
Timeline
First submit
Trial launched
Trial updated
Estimated completion
Not reported