Examining pneumococcal carriage in children and adults after the pandemic
Post-Pandemic Genomic Epidemiology of Pneumococcal Carriage Among Children and Adults in the General US Population
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 |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 900 (estimated) |
| Ages | 7 Months and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Central Florida Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Orlando, Florida) |
| Trial ID | NCT06373328 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include children aged 7 to 59 months and adults aged 50 and older who can provide informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients with recent antibiotic use, respiratory infections, or underlying chronic conditions affecting respiratory function may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: While studies on pneumococcal carriage exist, this specific genomic epidemiology approach in the post-pandemic context is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Orlando, Florida
- 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
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.