MedPath

Emission Patterns of Respiratory Pathogens

Suspended
Conditions
Pathogen Transmission
Registration Number
NCT03491020
Lead Sponsor
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Brief Summary

Airborne transmission represents one of the most rapidly spreading and dangerous dissemination mechanisms for pathogens. Public health strategies to prevent and control the often explosive outbreaks associated with such pathogens are: 1) vaccination and treatment, if available, 2) isolation and barrier precautions such as face masks, and 3) decontamination of the exposed areas and surfaces. A lack of understanding how these pathogens are transmitted hampers the ability to develop effective prevention measures. This study will be used to collect preliminary data of the emission patterns of respiratory pathogens.

Detailed Description

Airborne transmission represents one of the most rapidly spreading and dangerous dissemination mechanisms for pathogens. The study team have been investigating bacterial and viral transmission routes and barrier precautions. In a recent clinical study, it was observed that Measles virus RNA was detected from a patient for at least up to 10 feet. In addition, the group has been studying barrier precautions (facemasks) for their ability to prevent the spread of aerosolized viruses. Finally, in a controlled lab setting the investigators have assessed the impact of environmental conditions (temperature, humidity) on pathogen transmission and the effect of UV-C light to prevent the spread of influenza. The purpose of this observational study is to describe the human aerosolization patterns of respiratory pathogens. The study team hypothesizes that the emission patterns of specific airborne pathogens varies between individual patients.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
SUSPENDED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
55
Inclusion Criteria
  • patients >18 years of age admitted to the ED or an inpatient care unit of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center (WFBMC)
  • Positive
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Exclusion Criteria
  • positive respiratory pathogen tests
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Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
correlation between the human aerosolization patterns and the severity of illnessthroughout study completion, up to 7 days

This outcome measure is to determine the correlation between the human aerosolization patterns and the severity of illness (fever, respiratory symptoms, malaise) in individual participants.

particle size distribution patterns: ICUthroughout study completion, up to 7 days

This outcome measure will determine the particle size distribution patterns of the pathogen in the intensive care unit (ICU).

particle size distribution patterns: non-ICU settingthroughout study completion, up to 7 days

This outcome measure will determine the particle size distribution patterns of the pathogen in the non-intensive care unit (ICU).

quantities of the pathogen: ICUthroughout study completion, up to 7 days

This outcome measure will determine the quantities of the pathogen in the intensive care unit (ICU).

quantities of the pathogen: non-ICU settingthroughout study completion, up to 7 days

This outcome measure will determine the quantities of the pathogen in the non-intensive care unit (ICU).

spatial model: ICUthroughout study completion, up to 7 days

This outcome measure will establish a spatial model (1 foot vs. 3- feet vs. 8-10 feet) of airborne pathogen dispersal in the ICU.

spatial model: non-ICU settingthroughout study completion, up to 7 days

This outcome measure will establish a spatial model (1 foot vs. 3- feet vs. 8-10 feet) of airborne pathogen dispersal in a non-ICU setting.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center

🇺🇸

Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States

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