Monitoring and detection of influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 in adults with and without HIV in Lusaka
SURVEILLANCE, ASSESSMENT AND DETECTION OF INFLUENZA ASSOCIATED RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS IN HIV POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE INDIVIDUALS IN LUSAKA, ZAMBIA
This project will test methods to detect influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 in adults with and without HIV who have recent respiratory symptoms in Lusaka.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 594 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Lusaka, Lusaka Province and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07030075 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational surveillance project enrolls adults (≥18 years) presenting to two Lusaka first-level hospitals with 2–7 days of respiratory symptoms. Participants will provide nasopharyngeal swabs and exhaled breath aerosol samples, share their HIV and COVID-19 vaccination status, and complete a 7-day symptom diary with follow-up visits up to two weeks. Collected samples will be used to detect influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 to better estimate viral causes of respiratory illness and associated outcomes in this setting. The work aims to improve recognition of viral lower respiratory infections where routine viral testing is limited.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (age ≥18) in Lusaka who have had 2–7 days of flu-like or acute respiratory symptoms, are willing to share HIV and COVID-19 vaccination status, and can provide nasal/nasopharyngeal and exhaled breath samples and consent to follow-up.
Not a fit: People with symptoms for more than seven days, those unwilling to provide required samples or share HIV/COVID vaccination status, or those living outside the Lusaka clinic catchment may not benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could lead to earlier and more accurate detection of respiratory viruses, helping clinicians give the right care sooner.
How similar studies have performed: Previous sentinel surveillance across sub-Saharan Africa has identified influenza and other viral causes of lower respiratory infections, so the general surveillance approach is established, though routine exhaled breath aerosol sampling is less commonly used.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * i. age ≥18 years old ii. presenting with flu-like symptoms or acute respiratory infection with ≥2 to 7 days history of cough and /or sore throat and fever, +/- sneezing, +/- congestion, +/- myalgia, +/- fatigue, +/- wheezing, shortness of breath)\[55-57\] iii. willing to share their HIV status or be tested iv. willing to share their COVID-19 vaccination status v. able and willing to give informed consent vi. willing to provide a nasal/ nasopharyngeal sample for testing as part of standard of care vii. willing to provide exhaled breath aerosol samples i.e. wear a mask and provide a breath sample viii. willing to fill a symptoms diary card for symptom tracking for 7 days ix. agree to be followed-up and attend study visits up to two weeks after study entry Exclusion Criteria: * i. individuals who are unwilling to provide any reference standard samples such as the nasopharyngeal swabs ii. those with symptoms for \>7 days, or iii. those unwilling or unable to provide informed consent
Where this trial is running
Lusaka, Lusaka Province and 1 other locations
- Chawama 1st level Hospital — Lusaka, Lusaka Province, Zambia (Recruiting)
- Kanyama 1st Level Hospital — Lusaka, Lusaka Province, Zambia (Recruiting)
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.