The AcCREDiT 2 study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Acute respiratory infections and chronic respiratory disease exacerbation characterisation and personalised treatment platform study 2.
IRAS ID
351903
Contact name
Tim Felton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Patients with respiratory infections (e.g., pneumonia) or exacerbations of chronic conditions (e.g., emphysema) often require hospital admission. These conditions are caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, though in some cases, no infectious cause is found. Treatment includes antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, or corticosteroids.
Symptoms such as cough, sputum, fever, and breathlessness can overlap with non-infectious conditions like heart failure or blood clots. Clinicians face challenges in early diagnosis, as lab results take three days, making it difficult to distinguish bacterial from viral or fungal infections. This uncertainty often leads to early antibiotic use, which, while sometimes necessary, can cause side effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Rapid diagnostic tests are essential to ensure antibiotics are given appropriately.
Modern technologies can detect infections within hours rather than days, but samples must be collected before treatment begins for accurate results. In routine NHS care, samples are taken before treatment, but in research studies, delays in sampling after treatment starts can impact test effectiveness.
The AcCREDiT-2 study, developed with patient input, aims to assess a modified consent process for acutely ill patients. It is an observational feasibility study, meaning no treatment changes or experimental drugs will be used. Clinical data and samples (blood, sputum, stool) will be collected from hospitalized patients with presumed infections or exacerbations. The study will compare new diagnostic tests with traditional lab methods to evaluate their benefits and limitations for patient care.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NW/0122
Date of REC Opinion
15 May 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion