Investigation of Impact of Milk Consumption on H5 Influenza Detection in Respiratory Specimens
Emory University
Summary
The purpose of this study is to determine whether drinking pasteurized milk (milk heated to kill harmful germs) that contains inactive particles of a flu virus called A(H5) could lead to the detection of the virus in the nose or throat. Inactive particles are not capable of causing disease. The results will help the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) better understand how milk consumption could affect flu surveillance. Investigators also want to see if the body produces antibodies in response to this milk consumption.
Description
Since March 2024, avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses have infected U.S. dairy cattle and spread widely. The virus has been identified in high concentrations in raw milk, and research shows that pasteurization - the process of heating milk to a specific temperature for a set time - inactivates the A (H5N1) virus. Therefore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that commercial pasteurized milk is safe for consumption. However, trace amounts of inactive influenza particles may still be detected in pasteurized milk. This study aims to determine whether drinking pasteurized milk could be a po…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–64 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals aged 18-64 years * BMI ≤ 35 kg/m2 * Able to understand and give informed consent (American English) and comply with study visits and procedures. * In good general health based on medical history and the investigator's clinical judgment. Exclusion Criteria: * Symptoms of acute respiratory illness or conjunctivitis within 7 days * Febrile illness in the previous 72 hours * Recent influenza antiviral use (within 14 days) * Immunosuppression due to illness or medications * Current pregnancy or breastfeeding * History of allergy or intolerance to milk or milk al…
Interventions
- OtherPasteurized milk contaminated with killed A(H5) virus
Milk to be used in the study will be obtained from the CDC. Pasteurized commercial milk likely to contain detectable A(H5N1) particles will be obtained from a source such as a recently affected dairy farm. The CDC Influenza Division laboratory (Viral, Surveillance, and Diagnosis Branch) will test the milk to confirm the presence of viral A(H5) RNA using a protocol developed and validated by the US FDA Agricultural Research Service. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has indicated that the consumption of commercial pasteurized dairy products in the US is safe.
Location
- Hope ClinicAtlanta, Georgia