Investigating leftover SARS-CoV-2 in the lungs after COVID-19 infection
Residual SARS-CoV-2 Presence in the Respiratory Tract and Lung Parenchyma
This study is trying to see if leftover SARS-CoV-2 is still present and active in the lungs of people who have recovered from COVID-19 by examining lung tissue samples.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 75 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Leuven) |
| Trial ID | NCT04775134 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to confirm or rule out the presence and viability of SARS-CoV-2 in the respiratory tract and lung tissue of patients who have previously been infected with the virus. Researchers will collect lung tissue samples from patients undergoing medically necessary pulmonary resections and analyze them using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and viral culture techniques. Additionally, the study will utilize fluorescence immunohistochemistry and single molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization to identify the location of any residual virus. Control samples will be taken from patients without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection to validate the findings.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients requiring pulmonary resection who have a history of PCR-confirmed COVID-19 or positive serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.
Not a fit: Patients currently experiencing active SARS-CoV-2 infection or those unable to provide informed consent will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of long-term effects of COVID-19 and inform treatment strategies for patients with lingering symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: While studies on residual viral presence post-infection are ongoing, this specific approach focusing on lung tissue viability is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patient requires medically indicated pulmonary resection * Informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Active SARS-CoV-2 infection/COVID-19 * No informed consent
Where this trial is running
Leuven
- UZ Leuven — Leuven, Belgium (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Laurens J Ceulemans, MD, PhD — UZ Leuven
- Study coordinator: Laurens J Ceulemans, MD, PhD
- Email: laurens.ceulemans@uzleuven.be
- Phone: + 32 16 34 34 25
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.