There are about 13 clinical studies being (or have been) conducted in Fiji. The country of the clinical trial is determined by the location of where the clinical research is being studied. Most studies are often held in multiple locations & countries.
The purpose of this ongoing study (Part II) is to estimate the incidence of acute rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease, acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (kidney disease), and invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) disease (strep infection) in Fiji to help develop better treatments and vaccines. Group A streptococcal disease is caused by the bacterium group A streptococcus. It is commonly found in the nose and throat of normal healthy adults and children, and can cause illness. The bacterium is spread by close contact with patients or carriers, through things like coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing a drink and can cause a wide variety of illnesses. These illnesses may be a sore throat, skin sores, and less commonly acute rheumatic fever or kidney disease. Participants of all ages will be recruited through the Colonial War Memorial and Lautoka Hospital. A blood sample will be collected from each study participant. Subject participation should be less than one day.
Pneumonia is the most common reason for admission of Fijian children to hospitals. The most common germ causing pneumonia is "streptococcus pneumoniae." It is a common cause of meningitis (infection around the brain and spinal cord), ear infections, and blood infections and it lives in the nose of humans. A vaccine has been developed that will help prevent these common diseases but prevents only about one quarter of pneumonia cases and it is expensive. This study explores new ways of giving this vaccine that are affordable, safe, and effective in countries such as Fiji. About 550 Fijian infants presenting at 6 weeks of age, for their first diptheria, tetanus, toxoid, pertussis vaccine immunization, to one of the participating Health Centers or Colonial War Memorial Hospital in urban Suva, Fiji will be enrolled. Children will remain in the study for 2 years. Study procedures include full vaccination against 7 types of pneumococcus, blood tests, and nasal swabs.