RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Assessment of the Type I IFN Response in the Nasal Cavity During Respiratory Viral Infections in a Geriatric Department

This research aims to improve how we diagnose viral chest infections, particularly in older patients. Currently, standard tests look for tiny bits of viruses (like their DNA or RNA). However, these tests can sometimes show old infections, making it hard to know if someone is actively sick. This study is exploring a new approach: measuring what's called the Type I Interferon (IFN-I) response. This is a natural alarm signal your body sends out when fighting a virus. By checking for this signal in nose swabs, alongside standard tests, researchers hope to get a clearer picture of whether a viral infection is current and active, which could lead to better care and help stop the spread of viruses in hospitals and care homes.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Hospices Civils de Lyon

Enrolment target

1,140

Start

04 Jan 2024

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2027

Respiratory Viral Infection

What is this study about?

When you get a chest infection caused by a virus, it can sometimes be tricky to figure out exactly what's going on, especially in older people. We usually use tests that look for tiny pieces of virus (like their genetic material) to find out what's causing the illness. These tests are good, but they can sometimes pick up 'leftover' viral bits from an infection you had weeks or even months ago, even if you're not currently sick. This can make it hard for doctors to know if an infection is active and needs treatment, or if it's just an old infection.

This study is looking for a smarter way to diagnose these viral infections. We're focusing on something called the Type I Interferon (IFN-I) response. Think of IFN-I as your body's natural alarm system that kicks into action specifically when it's fighting a live, active virus. By measuring this IFN-I response from a simple nose swab, we hope to get a clearer idea of whether a viral infection is truly active right now, rather than just detecting old viral traces.

The main goal is to see if combining standard virus tests with this new IFN-I measurement can give doctors a much better picture. This could mean quicker and more accurate diagnoses for viral chest infections, especially in hospital wards with older patients. A faster and clearer diagnosis can help doctors make better decisions about care, manage symptoms more effectively, and help prevent the spread of infections to others.

Key takeaways

Aims to improve diagnosis of viral chest infections.
Focuses on older patients in hospital wards.
Investigates a natural body response (IFN-I) to detect active viruses.
Uses existing nose/throat swab samples, no extra tests.
Could lead to clearer diagnoses and better patient care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for older people who are currently in a geriatric ward in hospital, or those who are part of another study called REFIPA. To be included, you would need to have a respiratory (chest) viral infection that has been confirmed by a standard PCR test from a nose or throat swab.

You would also need to have had a specific nose or throat swab taken for virus testing as part of your normal medical care. We would need a certain amount of the sample (at least 500 microlitres, which is a tiny amount) from that swab to be available for this study.

You cannot take part if you do not want your medical information used for this research. Your decision will always be respected.

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 currently in a geriatric ward?
Do you have a confirmed viral chest infection?
Was your viral infection confirmed by a PCR test from a nose/throat swab?
Are you happy for your existing medical sample to be used for research?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study does not involve any extra visits or new treatments. Researchers would use a small amount of an existing nose or throat swab that was already taken for your usual medical care to test for viruses. This sample would be used to measure your body's IFN-I response, alongside the standard viral tests.

There will be no additional tests, medications, or follow-up appointments directly related to this study. The total duration of your involvement would simply be related to the analysis of that single sample.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct risks or physical discomforts involved in taking part, as the study uses a sample already collected during your routine care. The potential benefit is that the findings from this research could help improve how doctors diagnose viral infections in the future, leading to more accurate and timely care for patients, especially older adults. You are free to withdraw your consent for your data to be used in this study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Hôpital Lyon Sud
Verified postcode
Lyon, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an 'active' viral infection?

An active viral infection means the virus is currently growing and making you sick, rather than just having leftover bits from a past infection.

What is the IFN-I response?

The IFN-I response is your body's natural alarm system. It's like a signal your immune system sends out specifically when it's fighting a live virus.

Will I get any extra tests if I join?

No, you won't have any extra tests. The study uses a small part of a nose swab already taken for your routine medical care.

How will this study help patients?

This study aims to find a quicker, more accurate way to diagnose viral chest infections, which could lead to better care and help stop infections spreading in healthcare settings.

How long does my participation last?

Your participation is just for the analysis of one existing sample. There are no ongoing commitments or follow-up visits related to this study.

How to find out more

Sophie S TROUILLET-ASSANT, PHD

sophie.trouillet-assant@chu-lyon.fr 04 72 67 87 80 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.