View clinical trials related to Viral Infection.
Filter by:Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by lower respiratory tract (LRT) symptoms such as wheeze, cough and airway obstruction. Patients with asthma frequently suffer from exacerbations, which can be triggered by allergens and, in particular, viral respiratory infections. It has recently been shown that mepolizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that neutralizes interleukin(IL)-5, markedly reduces the exacerbation rate in asthma patients with eosinophilic airway inflammation. Previous studies have indicated that in a mixed population (eosinophilic and non eosinophilic) of mild asthma patients, mepolizumab did not have an impact on lung function and asthma symptom scores upon allergen provocation, although it did on markers such as sputum and blood eosinophils. Together, these observations led to the hypothesis that mepolizumab treatment reduces the exacerbation rate by limiting virus-induced asthma exacerbations. The investigators hypothesize that neutralization of IL-5 during virus infection in patients with allergic asthma: 1. Reduces virus-induced bronchial inflammation 2. Attenuates virus-induced asthma symptoms, airflow limitation and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. 3. Enhances cellular immune responses to the virus. The aims of this study are to: 1. To investigate whether IL-5 neutralization reduces the inflammatory response to viral airway infections in allergic asthma patients 2. To investigate whether IL-5 neutralization prevents or reduces asthma symptoms during virus-induced asthma exacerbations 3. To investigate whether IL-5 neutralization affects the cellular immune response to viral airway infections in allergic asthma patients
This pilot clinical trial studies how well scrambler therapy works treating chronic pain in patients with rash from varicella zoster virus infection. Scrambler therapy may help relieve pain from a rash caused by varicella zoster virus infection
Fever is one of the most common problems in pediatrics. Differentiating between bacterial infections, that require antibiotic therapy, and viral infections that resolve on their own is an important challenge for physicians. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein that increases in response to inflammation and its level is generally higher in bacterial infections compared to viral infections. it can be measured by a simple blood test, however its utility as a sole marker for bacterial infection is limited. The hypothesis of the study is that measuring CRP velocity, e.g the value of CRP divided by the hours since the fever started will improve the utility of CRP for the diagnosis of bacterial infections in children.
RATIONALE: The influenza vaccine may help prevent flu in patients who have undergone stem cell transplant. PURPOSE: This clinical trial is studying how well the influenza vaccine works in preventing flu in patients who have undergone stem cell transplant and in healthy volunteers.
This study, conducted at the Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland, will determine how accurately injection drug users report their needle-sharing behavior. Needle-sharing is a major cause of blood-borne diseases, including HIV and hepatitis. Therefore, a better understanding of this behavior is critical for devising strategies to reduce disease spread in this way. Research on needle-sharing behavior has relied heavily on users' self-reports. This study will compare these self-reports with results of DNA tests that show whether a needle has been used by one or more individuals. Injection drug users 18 years of age or older participating in the Baltimore Needle Exchange Program (BNEP) have been recruited for this study. Syringes distributed to users through the BNEP are collected after use and tested to differentiate between single versus multiple users. The findings are compared with the participants' responses about whether or not they shared their needles and syringes. Participants visit the clinic every 6 months for an interview, including questions about their mental and physical health, drug use, sexual activity and knowledge about HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) and AIDS. After the interview, a small amount of blood is drawn for testing for HIV, hepatitis, syphilis and other infectious diseases. Some of the blood is stored for future testing. Participants return to the clinic 4 weeks after the interview and blood drawing to get their test results. At this time, they are offered referral for drug treatment, free condoms, advice about drug use and safer sex and an opportunity to ask questions about their health. Participation in the study may continue for up to 5 years.