Population-based system for serological surveillance of influenza
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Establishing a population-based system for the serological surveillance of influenza and other infections: Pilot study in an English sentinel network
IRAS ID
221841
Contact name
Simon de Lusignan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Surrey
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 3 days
Research summary
Background:
Testing blood serum samples from a cross section of the population can produce valuable data about a new emerging infection including background population immunity and the spread of influenza during a pandemic.
This data is key to predicting an outbreak and implementing optimal intervention strategies. We propose collecting blood samples from existing Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Research and Surveillance Centre (RSC) primary care sentinel practices with extensive clinical data.
Results from these samples provide more detailed clinical information such as medical and immunisation history. Additionally, this method is rapid and cost effective compared to comprehensive population-based studies, while achieving similar results
Aim:
To pilot a method for provision of nationally representative blood serum samples and associated patient data to measure the presence and incidence of influenza and other infections of public health importance. This will fill gaps in pandemic and seasonal flu preparedness and help create a population- based serology bank for investigation of other important infections.
Method:
Study design: RCGP RSC practices will provide blood samples from consenting patients to be stored and tested by Public Health England (PHE) to set in context other measures of influenza surveillance and assess population exposure and susceptibility.
Setting and Participants: We will recruit 5-6 practices, already taking part in the existing flu swabbing programme. Consenting patients over the age of 18, attending a pre-scheduled blood test will be requested to donate an additional blood sample.
Methods: Serum will be extracted from blood samples and tested for influenza antibodies. All results and data will be pseudonymised to protect patient identity, and combined using existing processes at the RCGP RSC. The flu prevalence results will be compared against those from the annual PHE flu residual serosurvey.
Our evaluation will determine the feasibility and cost of a wider implementation.REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/0155
Date of REC Opinion
7 Feb 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion