Evaluating immune responses in South African children with respiratory infections
Mucosal Surveillance and Immunology of Respiratory Pathogens in South African Children Post the COVID-19 Pandemic
This study is trying to understand how children's immune systems respond to respiratory infections, like COVID-19, to see how these illnesses affect their health and quality of life.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 250 (estimated) |
| Ages | N/A to 13 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Desmond Tutu TB Centre Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 2 sites (Cape Town, Western Cape and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06902194 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to investigate the immune responses of children aged 0-13 years with acute respiratory tract infections at Tygerberg Hospital in South Africa. It will assess symptoms and severity of illnesses caused by COVID-19 and other respiratory pathogens, as well as the impact of these infections on lung function and quality of life. The study will document key medical histories and treatments received during hospital admissions, utilizing routine care data for research purposes. A minimum of 250 children will be recruited to provide insights into mucosal immunity and potential predictors of severe disease.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 0-13 years presenting with acute respiratory tract infections at Tygerberg Hospital.
Not a fit: Patients who have been hospitalized for more than 72 hours prior to enrollment may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of respiratory infections in children, leading to improved diagnosis and treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on respiratory infections, this specific focus on mucosal immunity in South African children is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: \- Children aged 0-13 years with acute respiratory tract infections presenting to Tygerberg Hospital (TBH) in Cape Town, South Africa, for routine care Exclusion Criteria: * Admitted for \< 72 hours
Where this trial is running
Cape Town, Western Cape and 1 other locations
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Tygerberg Hospital — Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa (Recruiting)
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre — Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marieke van der Zalm, PhD — Desmond Tutu TB Centre
- Study coordinator: Margaret van Niekerk, Masters (Human Nutrition)
- Email: mbunting@sun.ac.za
- Phone: +27219389177
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.