Unit | Clinical Research

Participant in paediatric TB diagnostic trial, Bagamoyo, Tanzania

The Clinical Research Unit (CRU) at Swiss TPH designs, conducts, and reports on clinical research studies, primarily in and for low- and middle-income countries, with a focus on vulnerable populations.

In collaboration with international partner institutions, we conduct high-quality scientific studies in the areas of tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, febrile illnesses, neglected tropical diseases, non-communicable chronic diseases, and mental health. The goal of our work is to gain knowledge about novel clinical tools or interventions, share our findings with the scientific community and the public, inform health policy, and translate knowledge into improved health. We typically work in multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary projects in which building research capacity plays a central role. We provide teaching, training and mentoring for students and young scientists at Swiss TPH and at our partner organizations around the globe.

 

Klaus Reither

Klaus Reither

PD Dr. med. et phil.

Brown J.A et al. Cohort profile: the Viral load Cohort North-East Lesotho (VICONEL) from 2016 to 2023 - cohort description, test volumes, predictors of viraemia and the road ahead. BMJ Open. 2025;15(2):e085404. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-085404

Gils T et al. A prospective evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of the point-of-care VISITECT CD4 Advanced Disease test in seven countries. J Infect Dis. 2025;231(1):e82-e90. DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiae374

Goig G.A et al. Transmission as a key driver of resistance to the new tuberculosis drugs. N Engl J Med. 2025;392(1):97-99. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMc2404644

Mapesi H et al. Treatment strategies to control blood pressure in people with hypertension in Tanzania and Lesotho: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Cardiol. 2025(in press). DOI: 10.1001/jamacardio.2024.5124

March V.F.A et al. Drug-induced differential culturability in diverse strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Sci Rep. 2025;15:3588. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-85092-7