Tracking Cytomegalovirus in Children and Childcare Staff

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Transmission and Immune Tracking (TransmIT) Study: An Observational Study to Evaluate CMV Transmission and Immune Correlates of Viral Shedding Among Young Children in Early Education and Care Settings

Observational University of Massachusetts, Worcester · NCT06522880

This study is trying to see how common cytomegalovirus is in young children and childcare staff by collecting saliva samples and health information.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages1 Day to 36 Months
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Massachusetts, Worcester Academic / other
Locations1 site (Worcester, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT06522880 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The CMV TransmIT Study aims to assess the prevalence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) shedding in children up to 36 months old and the staff at large group childcare centers. Participants will complete a health survey and provide a saliva sample for CMV PCR testing. The study will also develop infrastructure for community engagement and data collection, which will inform future stages of the research. This observational study focuses on understanding CMV transmission dynamics in childcare settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include children up to 36 months of age attending childcare centers and staff members who work regularly at these centers.

Not a fit: Patients over 36 months of age or those in state custody will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of CMV transmission and inform strategies to reduce infections in vulnerable populations.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on CMV, this specific approach focusing on childcare centers and community engagement is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria

Children

1. All children up to and including 36 months at time of signed consent regardless of duration of attendance at the center. Children living in the same household can each be enrolled.
2. Parent(s) has provided written informed consent for the child to be screened for CMV by saliva PCR collected at the center or at home

Center Staff

1. Individuals who regularly (average \>/= 5 weeks per year) work inside the center in any role, including employed, contracted, volunteer, and full or part time.
2. Staff member has provided written informed consent to be screened for CMV by saliva PCR collected at the center or at home

Exclusion Criteria

Children

1. \>/= 37 months of age
2. State Department of Children and Families (DCF) custody

Center Staff

1. Do not regularly (average \< 5 days per year) work inside the center
2. Work associated with but not regularly inside the center (e.g. bus drivers or food delivery staff)

Where this trial is running

Worcester, Massachusetts

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 InfectionscytomegalovirusCMVcongenital cytomegaloviruscCMV
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.