Examining pneumococcal carriage in children and adults after the pandemic
Official title: Post-Pandemic Genomic Epidemiology of Pneumococcal Carriage Among Children and Adults in the General US Population
Run by University of Central Florida · NCT06373328 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to see how the types of pneumococcal bacteria in children and adults have changed after the COVID-19 pandemic by collecting samples from their noses.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 7 Months and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 900 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Central Florida Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Orlando, Florida) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 12, 2024 |
| Main results expected | September 2025 |
| Study ends | March 2026 |
| Registry record updated | December 6, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT06373328 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include children aged 7 to 59 months and adults aged 50 and older who can provide informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with recent antibiotic use, respiratory infections, or underlying chronic conditions affecting respiratory function 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 genomic epidemiology of pneumococcal carriage among children and adults in a large metropolitan area following the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Researchers will collect nasopharyngeal samples to identify the presence of Streptococcus pneumoniae and analyze its genomic data to understand population dynamics and serotype composition. The study will compare these findings with existing data from both the US and international sources to assess changes in pneumococcal populations pre- and post-pandemic.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of pneumococcal carriage dynamics, potentially informing public health strategies and vaccination policies.
How similar studies have gone: While studies on pneumococcal carriage exist, this specific genomic epidemiology approach in the post-pandemic context is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Children, ages 7 to 59 months (less than 5 years) * Adults, ages 50 and older * Ability to provide informed consent (from parents for children participants) * ability to read and speak in English * Agree to comply with study procedures (complete online data questionnaire and provide a nasopharyngeal collection). Exclusion Criteria: * Have been on an antibiotic in the last 2 weeks * Have a respiratory infection that would make an nasopharyngeal collection improbable * Have underlying developmental or chronic conditions impacting immune or respiratory function (e.g., immunocompromised, cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy, paralysis) * Adults unable to consent, individuals who are not yet adults, and prisoners will be excluded from this study.
Where it's running
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University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Taj Azarian, PhD — University of Central Florida
- Study coordinator: Amoy Fraser, PhD, CCRP, PMP
- Email: amoy.fraser@ucf.edu
- Phone: 4072668742
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Pneumococcal Carriage Duration in Young Children
This study tests how long Streptococcus pneumoniae stays in the noses/throats of children under 4 who are followed for a year with regular swabs.
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Assessing the effectiveness of a new pneumococcal vaccine in healthy adults
This study is testing a new pneumococcal vaccine to see if it helps healthy adults aged 18-50 fight off an infection caused by a specific bacteria.
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.