Understanding immune responses in patients with chronic Aspergillus infection after COVID-19
Role of Cellular Immune Regulation in Acute Exacerbation and Chronic Aspergillus Infection After COVID-19 Infection
Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan · NCT06135597
This study looks at how the immune system responds in patients with chronic Aspergillus infections after COVID-19 to see if there are any differences compared to those without the infection.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan (other gov) |
| Locations | 1 site (Taipei) |
| Trial ID | NCT06135597 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study collects clinical cases and follow-up data from patients with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, post-COVID-19 aspergillosis, and post-COVID-19 patients without aspergillosis. It aims to measure the phagocytic function of neutrophils, their ability to produce neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), and changes in cell surface molecule expression in response to fungal hyphae. The study will also quantify autoantibodies in the blood and assess changes over short, medium, and long-term periods following infection. The research focuses on understanding immune regulation in these patient populations.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients diagnosed with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis or those with worsening pulmonary conditions post-COVID-19.
Not a fit: Patients without any history of Aspergillus exposure or infection after COVID-19 may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of immune responses in patients with chronic Aspergillus infections, potentially leading to improved treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: While similar studies on immune responses in fungal infections exist, this specific focus on post-COVID-19 patients is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Confirmed cases include patients diagnosed with pulmonary aspergillosis, acute or subacute Aspergillus infections, and aspergillosis in other anatomical sites (such as sinuses, middle ear, liver). Additionally, this study will enroll patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or those undergoing treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis who continue to exhibit worsening pulmonary radiological findings without a clear etiology, necessitating hospitalization or outpatient care for unexplained community-acquired pneumonia. Patients with bronchiectasis, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, or other chronic pulmonary conditions who are under continuous follow-up and treatment at our institution will also be included if clinically diagnosed with aspergillosis. The control group will consist of patients who, based on clinical evidence, have no history of prior exposure to Aspergillus or aspergillosis infection after contracting COVID-19. Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals aged below 20, pregnant women, patients with advanced-stage (stage II and above) lung cancer, individuals diagnosed with malignancies, patients with mental health disorders requiring consent from a legal guardian for participation, and those in critical end-stage conditions.
Where this trial is running
Taipei
- Shiang Fen Huang — Taipei, Taiwan (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: SF Huang — Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Study coordinator: SF Huang
- Email: sfhuang.dr@gmail.com
- Phone: +886-28712121
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.
Conditions: Aspergillosis