Investigating patterns of influenza evolution in immunosuppression
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating patterns of influenza evolution in immunosuppressed patients (E3i)
IRAS ID
208290
Contact name
Judith Breuer
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2016/08/32, UCL data protection officer reference number ; 16/NE/0377, REC ID Number
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 4 months, 30 days
Research summary
This prospective observational study aims to explore how influenza viral populations change during the course of an infection within an immunocompromised host, using Whole Genome sequencing of Influenza from swabs of nasal and throat cells and optional blood samples.
Influenza infects between 5-10% of the global adult population each year, resulting in between 250 thousand and 500 thousand annual deaths. In the majority of cases, the infection is cleared within one or two weeks, however in clinically immunosuppressed patients (either due to drug treatment or underlying illness) infection can carry on for far greater periods of time.
The evolution of the influenza virus within a single host has been identified as being of importance for questions surrounding the emergence of new, potentially pandemic viruses, such as the H5N1 strain of influenza.
This study will invite immunocompromised participants of all ages presenting to hospital with a diagnosis of influenza. There is a clear need to better understand these infections, and optimise care for patients, potentially optimising approaches to drug therapy, shortening the duration of infection, and reducing the cost of care.
Participants will be identified as suitable through influenza positive diagnostic samples in the lab and by the medical team looking after them.We will build a quantitative picture of the extent and nature of within-host influenza evolution in immunosuppressed patients, measuring the extent of adaptation of the virus to weakened adaptive immune system responses, and the response of the virus to drug therapy. Additional consideration of potential within-hospital transmission events will provide information to optimise infection control measures.
Sample collection will occur in the influenza seasons of 2016-17 and 2017-18 (Dec-March). Enrollment of participants will end in April 2018.
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NE/0377
Date of REC Opinion
11 Jan 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion