Evaluating immune responses in South African children with respiratory infections
Official title: Mucosal Surveillance and Immunology of Respiratory Pathogens in South African Children Post the COVID-19 Pandemic
Run by Desmond Tutu TB Centre · NCT06902194 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 |
|---|---|
| Ages | Any age to 13 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 250 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Desmond Tutu TB Centre Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 2 sites (Cape Town, Western Cape and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 23, 2024 |
| Main results expected | November 1, 2025 |
| Study ends | November 2025 |
| Registry record updated | March 30, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06902194 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 0-13 years presenting with acute respiratory tract infections at Tygerberg Hospital.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have been hospitalized for more than 72 hours prior to enrollment may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: While there have been studies on respiratory infections, this specific focus on mucosal immunity in South African children is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.