Clinical Research Directory

Noseguard for Prevention of Respiratory Infections in Real-World Use

This study is a prospective clinical study to evaluate the effectiveness of combined use of two nasal protective medical devices (Noseguard and Noseguard Night) in reducing respiratory infection rates, including COVID-19 and influenza, in real-world conditions. The study will also assess usability, satisfaction, and safety using electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePRO).

Cohort Study of Arbovirus and Other Emerging Virus Infections in Fiji: AEVI-Fiji Cohort.

Background: Fiji, an archipelago in the South Pacific comprising 332 islands distributed among 4 health administrative divisions (Central, Western, Eastern, Northern), is particularly vulnerable to the (re-)emergence of arboviruses and respiratory viruses due to its sub-tropical climate, the presence of several mosquito vector species, and connections with many countries in the Pacific, Asia and North America. Over the past decades, the epidemiological landscape of arboviruses has shifted from the sequential circulation of each of the four dengue virus (DENV) serotypes to the emergence of Zika virus (ZIKV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV), concomitantly to the concurrent circulation of multiple DENV serotypes. The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in 2020 significantly challenged Fiji's healthcare system, with the Delta variant alone accounting for approximately 700 deaths, while other respiratory viruses, such as influenza A and B, cause seasonal outbreaks. Despite these threats, comprehensive and up-to-date seroprevalence data remain scarce, limiting the capacity to inform and adapt public health policies. Methods: The cohort study of Arbovirus and other Emerging Virus Infections in Fiji (AEVI-Fiji cohort study) aims to estimate the prevalence of several arboviruses and respiratory viruses, track the evolution of individual immunity, and analyse transmission dynamics of these viruses within the Fijian population. This longitudinal study will span 38 months and will include about 900 willing participants aged six years and older, recruited from at least 210 households randomly selected across the Central Division. Four visits will be conducted 12 months apart in each household. During each visit, participants will complete a questionnaire capturing their demographic characteristics and history of infections with major arboviruses and respiratory viruses and will provide a blood sample for serological analysis. During the whole study period, participants with a suspected acute infection by an arbovirus or respiratory virus will be screened. Discussion: For the first time in Fiji, the AEVI-Fiji cohort study will generate longitudinal data to explore the determinants of both arbovirus and respiratory virus infections. The findings are expected to guide targeted public health strategies and enhance preparedness for future infectious disease threats in Fiji and the broader Oceania region.

Preparedness Through Respiratory Virus Epidemiology and Community Engagement

The CHARM network will be established through three primary institutions-Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), the University of California San Diego (UCSD), and the University of Washington (UW)-along with their subcontracting institutions. At UCSD and partner sites, the CHARM network will be implemented via the PREVENT project. All PREVENT participants will be consented in to Component A0 (Community Testing) and a subset of A0 participants will be invited to participate and will be consented into the other components: Component A (Ongoing Testing); Component A Sub-study (Immunology); Component B (Household Transmission). Component A0 participants (Community testing) will be members of the community who are interested in accessing testing for respiratory infections and will be asked to provide limited information that will then be used for screening for study Components A and/or B. Participants in Component A (Ongoing Testing ) will undergo weekly symptom screening. If they report symptoms, they will be asked to provide a nasal swab and complete illness questionnaires on the day they report symptoms (Day 0) and again on Days 7 and 14. Participants in Component A Sub-study (Immunology) will provide blood and saliva/nasal fluid samples twice a year, as well as before and after infection and/or immunization against priority pathogens. Participants in Component B (Household Transmission) will complete daily symptom questionnaires and nasal swabs for 14 days following enrollment, regardless of symptoms. Those who are symptomatic at enrollment will also complete retrospective daily diaries from symptom onset to the enrollment date. Additionally, they provide blood and/or saliva/nasal fluid samples at enrollment and again 28 days later. For all Components, UCSD will provide PCR test results for SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A/B, and RSV for nasal swab samples.

Exploring How Viral Infections Affect People With Chronic Lung Disease

Many people with chronic lung disease have disease flare-ups. It was previously believed that these were mainly caused by bacteria but recent evidence suggests that viruses could be an important trigger. This study will recruit volunteers with chronic lung disease and take samples both when well (at baseline) and during flare-ups (exacerbations) to better understand the role of viruses in triggering exacerbations and also how the immune response is affected. The researchers will follow the volunteers\' progress for up to two years. Whenever they get unwell they will take some samples (nose swabs, finger prick testing, phlegm sample) and post them to the researchers. Then, they will come in for a visit for more samples (blood tests, further swabs) and a review.