Testing a blood assay to predict Cytomegalovirus reactivation in Ulcerative Colitis patients

Place of the QuantiFERON-CMV (QF-CMV) Test in a Prediction for Colic Cytomegalovirus Reactivation During Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

Not applicable Interventional Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne · NCT04030676

This study is testing a blood test to see if it can help predict when people with Ulcerative Colitis might have a Cytomegalovirus reactivation, so they can avoid unnecessary biopsies.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment196 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Lyon and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04030676 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the QuantiFERON-CytoMegaloVirus (QF-CMV) assay, which measures the immune response to Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in blood samples, to predict the risk of CMV reactivation in patients with Ulcerative Colitis (UC). By comparing the QF-CMV results with traditional invasive biopsies that assess CMV DNA load, the study aims to develop a new algorithm for managing UC patients that could reduce unnecessary biopsies. If the QF-CMV assay is positive, it indicates protection against CMV reactivation, while a negative result would prompt further invasive testing. This approach could streamline patient care and improve treatment outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are hospitalized patients with Ulcerative Colitis who are seropositive for Cytomegalovirus and have a significant flare-up.

Not a fit: Patients who have undergone total or partial colectomy or those unable to understand or sign the protocol may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to a less invasive and more efficient method for managing Cytomegalovirus reactivation in Ulcerative Colitis patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using immune response assays is gaining traction, this specific application of the QF-CMV assay in Ulcerative Colitis is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient with seropositive for CytoMegaloVirus (CMV) (IgG+)
* Patient requiring hospitalization for flare of Ulcerative Colitis (UC) with Mayo score \> 5 and an endoscopic subscore ≥ 2
* Social security affiliation
* Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Wardship patient and curatorial patient
* Patient unable to understand or sign the protocol
* Colectomy total or partial

Where this trial is running

Lyon and 1 other locations

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.
Conditions Cytomegalovirus InfectionsImmune response againstQuantiFERON-CytoMegaloVirusUlcerative ColitisCytoMegaloVirusquantitative PolymeraseChainReactionImmunoHistoChemistry
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.