MedPath

Zoonotic Influenza Surveillance in Belgium

Conditions
Influenza, Human
Interventions
Diagnostic Test: respiratory specimen
Diagnostic Test: serum
Registration Number
NCT05827601
Lead Sponsor
Cyril Barbezange
Brief Summary

The project aims at implementing a more pro-active surveillance of potential transmission of influenza viruses to humans (zoonotic transmission). Clinical surveillance of influenza in humans and avian species is well organized and has been operating for decades, but currently there is no pro-active systematic surveillance of potential transmission of animal (avian or swine) influenza viruses to humans, only follow-up of people showing clinical symptoms. People working with potentially infected animals have the highest risk. Moreover, they can represent the first steps in a pandemic: if the virus adapts to humans, infected workers could potentially spread the virus to other people.

Currently, highly pathogenic clade2.3.4.4b H5 avian influenza viruses are continuously circulating in wild birds in Belgium and the number of introduction in poultry farms has raised, increasing the contact opportunities with high viral concentrations. Several reports of suspected human infection have been made by different countries. In addition, the virus was detected in sick non-human mammals. The large circulation in wild birds thus represents an increase risk of spill-over to mammalian species, including humans, (by contact directly with wild birds, or via outbreaks in poultry). This increased opportunity for accidental spillover to new host species increases the chances for the avian virus to adapt to mammals, including humans.

Likewise, there have also been an increased number of human cases of swine influenza reported by several European countries. A pro-active surveillance aiming at also detecting asymptomatic infections would allow an early detection of transmission that could help to prevent a new pandemic.

As a piloting approach during this specific project, some dedicated sentinel networks among at-risk workers will be initiated: people in poultry farms involved with the management of outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza; people working at bird (or more generally wild life) rehabilitation centres or poultry farms; veterinarians working in pig farms/slaughterhouses.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
200
Inclusion Criteria
  • worker or volunteer of one of the targeted groups at one of the selected sites and accepting to take part in the study
  • to have regular contacts with animals within job/activity framework
  • being committed to take the regular samples
Exclusion Criteria
  • people who had a broken nose might have difficulties to perform self-swabbing

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Pig Industry Veterinarian Sentinel Networkrespiratory specimenVeterinarians working in the pig industry and in contact with animals will be invited to join the cohort. Self sampling by nasopharyngeal swab will be requested every 2 weeks for the whole duration of the study. anticipated: 15
Wild bird/life Rehabilitation Centre Sentinel Networkrespiratory specimenPeople working in wild bird/life rehabilitation centers and in contact with animals will be invited to join the cohort. Self sampling by nasopharyngeal swab will be requested every 2 weeks for the whole duration of the study. anticipated: 25
Avian Influenza Outbreak Farmsrespiratory specimenPeople involved in outbreak management, ranging from poultry farm owners and their family to inspectors through veterinarians and cullers/cleaners, will be invited to take part in the study at the earliest step possible after outbreak detection. Self sampling by nasopharyngeal swab will be requested every 2 days during 2 weeks.
Poultry Farm Sentinel Networkrespiratory specimenPeople working in poultry farms and in contact with animals will be invited to join the cohort. Self sampling by nasopharyngeal swab will be requested every 2 weeks for the whole duration of the study. anticipated: 15
Avian Influenza Outbreak FarmsserumPeople involved in outbreak management, ranging from poultry farm owners and their family to inspectors through veterinarians and cullers/cleaners, will be invited to take part in the study at the earliest step possible after outbreak detection. Self sampling by nasopharyngeal swab will be requested every 2 days during 2 weeks.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Number of sentinel participants positive for a non-seasonal influenza virusevery 2 weeks through study completion (December 2024)

result of RT-qPCR test to detect and characterize non-influenza viruses

Number of outbreak participants positive for a non-seasonal influenza virusevery 2 days during 2 weeks after enrollment

result of RT-qPCR test to detect and characterize non-influenza viruses

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Number of outbreak participants with seroconversion against a non-seasonal influenza virusat enrollment and about 4 weeks after

result of inhibition of haemagglutination or seroneutralisation assay

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Sciensano

🇧🇪

Brussels, Belgium

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