Host and microbe signals to predict SARS-CoV-2 and severe disease in children with viral coinfections
Official title: An Integrated Host-Microbe Gene Classifier to Predict SARS-CoV-2 and Severe Disease in Children with Respiratory Viral Coinfections
Funded at Arkansas Children's Hospital Res Inst · NIH-11306077 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to help doctors predict which children with multiple respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, are most at risk for severe illness using a gene-based classifier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arkansas Children's Hospital Res Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Little Rock, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $654,257 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL173537-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11306077 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children with acute respiratory infections who have coinfections or suspected coinfections, including SARS-CoV-2, and who are undergoing diagnostic testing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose infection is mild and does not progress to severe disease may not directly benefit from the classifier.
What this research studies
This project uses gene patterns from nasal and possibly lower airway samples to distinguish which viruses and host responses drive worse illness in kids with coinfections. It builds on prior work in adults and children to create a pediatric tool that integrates host and microbe information. The goal is to improve early identification of children who may need more intensive care or targeted treatments. The study will involve analyzing patient samples and clinical data from pediatric patients with respiratory infections to develop and validate the classifier. Results could guide clinical decision-making and reduce unnecessary or harmful treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, clinicians could better triage and treat children with coinfections, potentially reducing severe outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pediatric-focused host/microbe classifiers have shown promise in distinguishing infections and predicting outcomes, but this is an extending, multi-virus approach for children.
Where this research is happening
-
Arkansas Children's Hospital Res Inst
Little Rock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kennedy, Joshua — Arkansas Children's Hospital Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Kennedy, Joshua
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.