Investigating the immune response and gut microorganisms in people with COVID-19 and helminth infections

A Pilot Study of the Effects of Helminth Infection and SARS-CoV-2 Seropositivity on Immune Response and the Intestinal Microbiota in India

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) · NCT04813328

This study is trying to see how COVID-19 and worm infections affect the immune system and gut bacteria in people aged 5 and older by collecting blood and stool samples from them.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1500 (estimated)
Ages5 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) (nih)
Locations1 site (Chennai, Tamilnadu)
Trial IDNCT04813328 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study aims to collect samples from 1500 participants aged 5 years and older to analyze the immune response and intestinal microbiota in individuals with and without COVID-19 antibodies and helminth infections. Participants will undergo a one-time blood and stool collection for testing SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and diagnosing parasitic infections. The study will take place in the Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu, India, and will involve a single visit for each participant. Results from the clinical testing will be shared with participants, and referrals for medical care will be provided as necessary.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 5 years or older living in the Tiruvallur district who can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with poor venous access or those with conditions that may increase risks associated with participation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of how helminth infections influence immune responses to COVID-19, potentially leading to improved treatment strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is relatively novel, similar studies exploring the interactions between infections and immune responses have shown promising insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Able to provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Poor venous access precluding venipuncture.
* History of any illness or condition which, in the investigator's judgment, may substantially increase the risk associated with the participant's participation in the protocol, or compromise the scientific objectives.

Participants may be co-enrolled in other studies; however study staff should be notified of co-enrollment.

Where this trial is running

Chennai, Tamilnadu

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: COVID-19

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.