Identifying bacterial pathogens in pleural infections
A Prospective Study to Identify Known and Unknown Bacterial Pathogens in Patients With Pleural Infections Using a Combination of Conventional Culture and Next-generation Sequencing Approaches
Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT05394220
This study is trying to find out which bacteria are causing infections in the pleural space of patients with fluid buildup by using new testing methods alongside standard ones.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 115 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Chinese University of Hong Kong (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT05394220 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to identify both known and unknown bacterial pathogens in patients with parapneumonic effusion using a combination of conventional culture techniques and advanced next-generation sequencing. The study will involve a prospective cohort of patients suspected of having pleural infections, with pleural fluid samples collected for analysis. The researchers hypothesize that next-generation sequencing will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the bacterial landscape compared to traditional culture methods. Clinical management will proceed without interference from the study, ensuring patient care remains a priority.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are hospitalized patients of Chinese ethnicity, aged 18 and older, with suspected pleural infections.
Not a fit: Patients who have been on antibiotics for more than 24 hours for the current infection episode or those with non-infectious pleural effusions will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate identification of bacterial pathogens, improving antibiotic treatment and patient outcomes in pleural infections.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of next-generation sequencing in similar contexts is emerging, this specific approach to studying parapneumonic effusion is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Study group (patients with parapneumonic effusion) Inclusion Criteria: * Patients hospitalized for suspected pleural infection, irrespective of community-acquired or hospital-acquired in nature * Pleural tapping will be performed for pleural fluid analysis * Chinese ethnicity * Aged 18 years old or above Exclusion Criteria: * Use of antibiotics for more than 24 hours for the current episode of infection * On long-term local or systemic antibiotics * Tuberculous pleuritis * Pregnant or lactating women * Failed to obtain informed consent due to patient's refusal or cognitive impairment Control group (patients with effusions but not parapneumonic in nature) Inclusion Criteria: * Pleural effusion is not related to any infection including pneumonia (e.g. malignancy, fluid overload) * Pleural tapping will be performed for pleural fluid analysis * Chinese ethnicity * Aged 18 years old or above Exclusion Criteria: * The use of systemic (including oral and intravenous) and inhaled antibiotics in the past 1 month * On long-term local or systemic antibiotics * Tuberculous pleuritis * Pregnant or lactating women * Failed to obtain informed consent due to patient's refusal or cognitive impairment
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- Chinese University of Hong Kong — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ka Pang Chan, MBChB
- Email: chankapang@gmail.com
- Phone: 35052211
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.
Conditions: Parapneumonic Effusion, parapneumonic effusion, pleural infection, metagenomics