Viral Infections in Healthy and Immunocompromised Hosts
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Summary
Background: \- Viral infections are an important cause of illness and death in hospitalized patients as well as outpatients. New strains of viruses may appear and infect both healthy people and those with weak immune systems. A better understanding of these new virus strains (such as SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19) may help to control and prevent these infections. In particular, some viral infections that are less problematic in healthy persons can be life threatening in persons with weak immune systems, and viruses may be able to evolve more rapidly in persons with weak immune systems and therefore develop resistance to existing treatments. Researchers are interested in collecting samples and information from otherwise healthy persons or persons with weak immune systems to study the effects of viruses and their development. Objectives: \- To collect samples and data from individuals who have been exposed to or have contracted viral infections. Eligibility: * Individuals of all ages who have been diagnosed with a viral infection are suspected to have a viral infection, or have been in close contact with someone with a suspected or actual viral infection that is of interest to investigators in the Laboratory of Infectious Diseases. * Healthy persons and persons with weak immune systems (immunocompromised individuals) are eligible to participate. Design: * Participants will be pre-screened to determine if they meet the eligibility criteria for the trial. * If eligible, evaluation may include a medical chart review, a history and physical examination, review of clinical reports from outside hospitals and laboratories, and review of tissue biopsies. * Study procedures may include collection of blood, urine, saliva, nasal fluid sampling, throat swabs, stool, and genital swabs. For participants who have specimens collected as part of their medical care (e.g. wound swabs, spinal tap, bronchoscopy, liver biopsy etc.), researchers may use leftover specimens from the clinical laboratory for testing. * Specimens may be collected up to 4 times per week during the first 2 weeks after enrollment, and then as many as 2 times per week for up to 2 years. Some participants may be asked to continue providing specimens if there is concern for relapse or recurrence of the infection. * Treatment is not offered under this study.
Description
Viral infections are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients as well as out-patients. New strains of viruses may appear and cause epidemics in healthy persons or immunocompromised persons. A better understanding of these new virus strains may help to control and prevent these infections. Some viral infections that would otherwise be asymptomatic or cause mild disease can be life threatening in immunocompromised persons. Immunocompromised persons often shed high titers of virus for prolonged periods of time. In the absence of a potent immune system, viruses may e…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
* INCLUSION CRITERIA 1. The protocol is open to people of all ages; 1. Only patients greater than or equal to 2 years of age can be enrolled at the Clinical Center. 2. Patients who are less than 2 years old may be enrolled only remotely and will not be seen at the Clinical Center. 2. a. Persons having (or be suspected of having) a viral infection that is of interest to LID investigators. b. Persons that are a close contact of someone who has (or is suspected of having) a viral infection that is of interest to LID investigators or is about to receive or have recently recei…
Location
- National Institutes of Health Clinical CenterBethesda, Maryland