Cohort of the Specialist Network Infectious Diseases
This study, based in university hospitals across Germany, is collecting important health information and biological samples from adults admitted to hospital with various serious infections, such as those affecting the lungs, blood, or brain. The main goals are to build a valuable collection of data and samples that can help scientists learn more about these infections. This will allow them to spot new infection trends early, respond quickly to potential outbreaks, and ultimately develop better ways to diagnose and treat these conditions in the future for patients in the UK and globally. Participants will provide information and samples at key times during their hospital stay.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine a big, collaborative effort across hospitals in Germany to understand serious infections better. This study is doing just that. It's like creating a detailed picture book and a sample library of different infections that people get, especially those serious enough to need hospital care. The researchers are particularly interested in infections affecting areas like the lungs (like pneumonia), the blood, or the brain.
The main idea is to collect health details and biological samples, such as blood or tissue, in a very organised way. This 'picture book' and 'library' will then be used by scientists to spot patterns, understand how infections change over time, and even predict new health challenges. By having this information ready, doctors and scientists can react much more quickly to new outbreaks and work towards finding improved treatments and better ways to look after patients in the future.
This isn't about testing new medicines; it's about carefully observing and collecting information from people who are already ill. It's a bit like a surveillance program, but for infections. The information gathered will be incredibly valuable for developing strategies that could benefit people in the UK and worldwide, helping us all be better prepared for future health threats.
Key takeaways
- Study collects data and samples from adults with serious infections in German hospitals.
- Aims to improve understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases.
- Helps prepare for and respond to future infectious outbreaks.
- Participation involves sharing medical information and providing biological samples (e.g., blood).
- No new treatments or medications are given as part of the study.
- Your health information is handled securely and confidentially.
Who may be eligible?
To be able to take part in this study, you would need to be 18 years old or older. The specific type of infection you have would need to fit into one of the categories the study is looking at, such as a severe chest infection, a blood infection, or an infection affecting your brain.
Crucially, you would need to be well enough to provide consent and complete the initial study assessments, including giving samples, within a few days of meeting the study's criteria. This means that if you're too unwell to understand and agree to participate, you might not be able to join.
There are no general reasons for being excluded from the study, but the specific type of infection you have, and your ability to provide consent and samples, will determine if you can participate.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Are you in hospital with a serious infection (e.g., chest, blood, brain, stomach)?
- Are you able to understand the study information and agree to take part?
- Can you provide samples, like blood, if needed during your hospital stay?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, the study team will collect your health information and some biological samples, like blood. This will happen when you first enter the hospital and again when you are getting ready to leave. If needed, there might be additional collections during your hospital stay. The information gathered will include details about your existing health conditions, what diagnoses you’ve received, and any treatments you are having. This is an observational study, which means you won't be given any new treatments or medicines as part of the study; the researchers are simply observing and collecting information about your usual care. The total duration of your participation would typically be limited to your hospital stay.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University Hospital FrankfurtVerified postcodeFrankfurt, Germany
Common questions
What kind of infections are they studying?
They're looking at serious infections like those affecting your breathing, blood, stomach, brain, or new types of infections that require hospital care.
Do I have to take new medicines?
No, this study doesn't involve giving you any new medicines. It's about observing your condition and collecting information while you receive your usual hospital care.
What happens to my samples?
Your samples, like blood, will be stored safely and used for future research to help scientists understand infections better and improve treatments.
Can I leave the study if I change my mind?
Yes, absolutely. You can withdraw from the study at any time, and it won't affect the medical care you receive.
Why is this study important for people in the UK?
Even though it's in Germany, the information gathered helps build a global understanding of infections, which can lead to better diagnosis and treatment methods that benefit patients everywhere, including the UK.
How to find out more
Janne Vehreschild, Prof. Dr. med.
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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