Investigating different face-washing methods for reducing the chance of spreading the infection that causes trachoma

The Face Washing Methods (FAWASH) trial: an open, parallel-group randomized controlled trial comparing face washing methods for the removal of Chlamydia trachomatis

Status

Active, not recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Interventional

Source

ISRCTN

Registry ID

ISRCTN12814010

Enrollment

470

Registered

2023-04-17

Start date

2023-03-20

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2026-01-27

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Removal of Chlamydia trachomatis from the face of children aged 1-7 years with ocular C. trachomatis infection Infections and Infestations

Interventions

Participants are randomized to one of the three arms in a 1:1:1 ratio at the point of wash using a random number generator: Protocol A: Caregiver delivers a 30-second face wash with water only Protoco

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Age

1 Years to 7 Years

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: 1. Parental consent to take part 2. Participant assent to take part 3. Severe conjunctival inflammation (F3 and/or P3) 4. Aged 1-7 years residents of Oromia State, Ethiopia 5. Availability for the study period (8 hours)

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: 1. Known allergy to study materials 2. Significant facial and/or ocular injury or pathology

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
Relative reduction in the proportion of participants without Chlamydia trachomatis detected on faces by real-time PCR immediately following face washing with soap and water, compared with the face washing with water only group	—

Secondary

Measure	Time frame
1. Relative reduction in the proportion of participants without Chlamydia trachomatis detected on faces by real-time PCR immediately following face wiping with the SuperTowel, as compared to the water-only arm 2. Difference between arms in the proportion of participants without ocular or dry nasal discharge on faces, measured by consensus observation, immediately following washing/wiping protocol 3. Difference between arms in the mean load of Chlamydia trachomatis on faces, measured by real-time PCR, immediately following the washing/wiping protocol 4. Difference between arms in the proportion of participants without Chlamydia trachomatis (by real-time PCR)/ocular and nasal discharge (by consensus observation) on faces at 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours following the washing/wiping protocol 5. Mean increase in load of Chlamydia trachomatis, measured by real-time PCR, on faces at 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours following protocol	—

Measure

Time frame

1. Relative reduction in the proportion of participants without Chlamydia trachomatis detected on faces by real-time PCR immediately following face wiping with the SuperTowel, as compared to the water-only arm 2. Difference between arms in the proportion of participants without ocular or dry nasal discharge on faces, measured by consensus observation, immediately following washing/wiping protocol 3. Difference between arms in the mean load of Chlamydia trachomatis on faces, measured by real-time PCR, immediately following the washing/wiping protocol 4. Difference between arms in the proportion of participants without Chlamydia trachomatis (by real-time PCR)/ocular and nasal discharge (by consensus observation) on faces at 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours following the washing/wiping protocol 5. Mean increase in load of Chlamydia trachomatis, measured by real-time PCR, on faces at 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours following protocol

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Countries

Ethiopia

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ISRCTN (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026