Mucosal Surveillance and Immunology of Respiratory Pathogens in South African Children Post the COVID-19 Pandemic

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying respiratory tract infections in South African children aged 0 to 13 years to understand how infections like COVID-19 and other respiratory germs cause symptoms and disease severity. They aim to discover new germs and investigate how immune cells in saliva might predict severe illness. The study also looks at the body's immune response in blood and saliva, the short-term effects on lung function, and the impact on children's and families' quality of life. This observational study is conducted at Tygerberg Hospital, which serves a large and diverse community, including areas with high tuberculosis and HIV rates. Children presenting with acute respiratory symptoms at Tygerberg Hospital will be followed while receiving routine care. Researchers will collect additional samples, including blood, mucus via nasopharyngeal aspirates, and saliva at enrolment, during hospital days two and three, and at discharge. These samples will be analyzed for antibodies, inflammatory proteins, and respiratory pathogens using methods like PCR and metagenomic sequencing. The study involves gathering extensive clinical and environmental information through questionnaires, including vaccination history, previous illnesses, and quality of life assessments. Participants will be monitored during their hospital stay, with data collected on symptom severity and treatment received. Laboratory tests will measure antibodies and immune markers in blood and saliva over time. Researchers will also review respiratory pathogens identified from mucus samples. The study ensures privacy and safety, following ethical guidelines and infection control measures. Participation involves no cost to families, and children can withdraw at any time without affecting their care. The total number of participants planned is around 250 to 300 children, with results helping to improve understanding of respiratory infections in this population.

To Evaluate Mucosal and Systematic Immune Response to Acute Respiratory Tract Infections of South African Children