View clinical trials related to Virus Diseases.
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
To develop a real-time diagnostic technique with e- Ab sensor for high risk human papilloma viruses(high risk HPV) detection, the investigators conduct a prospective clinical study. In comparison with results from direct sequencing of HPV, the investigators evaluate the performance of e- Ab sensor, including reproducibility, sensitivity, specificity, and cross-reaction (such as detection of low risk HPV). The potential factors which may interfere with the results would be investigated. With such a real-time diagnostic technique, the investigators hope to obtain information of patients in cost-saving and time-saving way and can give patients early treatment and offer more individualized treatment for our patients.
Background: - Viral infections are an important cause of illness and death in hospitalized patients as well as outpatients. New strains of viruses may appear and infect both healthy people and those with weak immune systems. A better understanding of these new virus strains (such as SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19) may help to control and prevent these infections. In particular, some viral infections that are less problematic in healthy persons can be life threatening in persons with weak immune systems, and viruses may be able to evolve more rapidly in persons with weak immune systems and therefore develop resistance to existing treatments. Researchers are interested in collecting samples and information from otherwise healthy persons or persons with weak immune systems to study the effects of viruses and their development. Objectives: - To collect samples and data from individuals who have been exposed to or have contracted viral infections. Eligibility: - Individuals of all ages who have been diagnosed with a viral infection are suspected to have a viral infection, or have been in close contact with someone with a suspected or actual viral infection that is of interest to investigators in the Laboratory of Infectious Diseases. - Healthy persons and persons with weak immune systems (immunocompromised individuals) are eligible to participate. Design: - Participants will be pre-screened to determine if they meet the eligibility criteria for the trial. - If eligible, evaluation may include a medical chart review, a history and physical examination, review of clinical reports from outside hospitals and laboratories, and review of tissue biopsies. - Study procedures may include collection of blood, urine, saliva, nasal fluid sampling, throat swabs, stool, and genital swabs. For participants who have specimens collected as part of their medical care (e.g. wound swabs, spinal tap, bronchoscopy, liver biopsy etc.), researchers may use leftover specimens from the clinical laboratory for testing. - Specimens may be collected up to 4 times per week during the first 2 weeks after enrollment, and then as many as 2 times per week for up to 2 years. Some participants may be asked to continue providing specimens if there is concern for relapse or recurrence of the infection. - Treatment is not offered under this study.
Background: - Chronic hepatitis B virus infection is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality from end stage liver disease and liver cancer. Although significant progress has been made recently in hepatitis B therapy, current knowledge about how to manage the infection is limited because most treatment trials involve 1 to 2 years of therapy at most, even though most patients require treatment of much longer duration for optimal long-term outcome. To improve current knowledge on the disease and long-term disease progression, the Hepatitis B Research Network is collecting health and disease information from individuals who have been diagnosed with hepatitis B. Objectives: - To study individuals with hepatitis B and identify factors that affect the way the disease progresses. Eligibility: - Individuals at least 18 years of age who have been diagnosed with hepatitis B. Design: - Participants will be screened with a physical examination and medical history. Health information will be collected through questionnaires and surveys on health behaviors, and family history of liver disease. Participants will also provide blood samples, and those who have had a liver biopsy within the past 2 years or have one during the course of the study will provide biopsy material for further study. - Information will be collected during a series of study visits. Each visit will take approximately 1 hour. During the first year, participants will have study visits 12 weeks, 24 weeks, and 48 weeks after entering the study. In subsequent years, participants will have a study visit approximately every 24 weeks (6 months) until the end of the study. - Additional visits will be required of women who are pregnant when enrolled in the study or become pregnant during the course of the study. - Participants whose hepatitis B status changes during the course of the study (for example, a flare of disease activity) may be asked to return for more frequent visits.
The purpose of this study is to study the prevalence of EBV, HCMV, HHV-6 in saliva and on the toothbrush patient with periodontitis.
In this pilot study, we intend to demonstrate that a great portion of women at high risk (inadequate screening, HPV 16/18 and/or cytology) are presenting to the ED, cytology/ HPV testing via ThinPrep®Pap testTM and surveillance. We intend to provide improved access to healthcare and monitoring through administration of vaccine to eligible patients and 1 year follow up for patients involved in this study. Females meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria participating in the study (n=100) that have not had a cytology test in 2 or more years will be offered the Thin Prep® cytology test. This study will allow surveillance of disease through cytology and HPV DNA testing via collection of data using Thin Prep® cytology with reflex HPV DNA testing according to established guidelines as described below. Provide improved access to healthcare and monitoring through administration of vaccine for eligible females as established by guidelines. Patients will receive first vaccine in the ED and will have arranged follow up for administration of the 2 month and 6 month series of the HPV vaccination. Through data collection, we intend to determine if there is a need for vaccination and determine if patients are likely to follow up..
Following the sudden and unexpected emergence of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 (2009 H1N1) virus, this observational study was initiated to estimate rates of morbidity and mortality and to examine predictors of severity among participants with 2009 H1N1 infection. In 2011, as surveillance indicated that 2009 H1N1 virus was co-circulating with other seasonal influenza A and B viruses worldwide, the protocol was expanded to include other influenza A subtypes and influenza B viruses. The current version of the protocol (released in August 2013) further broadens the scope of this observational study. With the recognition that novel respiratory viruses other than novel influenza A viruses, e.g., Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), could become prevalent and of major public health importance, the objectives of this protocol have been expanded.
Background: - Infections caused by viruses are common causes of illnesses: the common cold, many ear infections, sore throats, chicken pox, and the flu are caused by different viruses. Usually, these illnesses last only few days or, at most, a few weeks. Some virus infections like influenza are cleared from the body, and others such as the chicken pox virus remain in the body in an inactive state. However, some people may become quite ill when they are infected with a particular virus, possibly because part of their immune system does not respond properly to fight the virus. - Researchers have discovered some reasons why a person may not be able to clear an infection caused by a virus. Some persons have changes in the genes that involve the immune system that result in the inability to properly control infection with a particular virus. Identifying changes in genes that involve the immune system should help scientists better understand how the immune system works to protect people from infection and may help develop new therapies. Objectives: - To study possible immune defects that may be linked to a particular severe viral infection. - To determine if identified immune defects are genetic in origin. Eligibility: - Individuals of any age who have or have had a diagnosis of a virus infection that physicians consider to be unusually severe, prolonged, or difficult to treat. - Relatives of the participants with a severe viral infection may also participate in the study. We will use their blood and/or skin specimens to try to determine if identified immune defects are hereditary. Design: - Prior to the study, the participant's doctor will give researchers the details of the infection, along with medical records for review. Eligible participants will be invited to the NIH Clinical Center for a full evaluation as an outpatient or inpatient. - At the Clinical Center, participants will be treated with the best available therapy for the particular viral infection, and researchers will monitor how the infection responds to the treatment. - Researchers will take intermittent blood samples and conduct other tests (such as skin biopsies) to evaluate the immune system. - During and after the illness, researchers will conduct follow-up visits to determine the course of infection and response to therapy.
Viral infections are an important complication of transplantation. Immunosuppressive therapy interferes with T cell immunity resulting in a high incidence of viral infection. Newer agents, such as mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and sirolimus, have been associated with an increased risk of herpes virus infection. The introduction of these more potent immunosuppressive agents over the past decade correlates with an increase in the rate of hospitalizations of transplant patients with infections. This prospective study will determine the role of sub-clinical herpes virus infections in the development of complications such as chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) and Post Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disease (PTLD). By focusing on treatable herpes virus infections, these studies have the potential to identify therapeutic strategies that can be used to diminish the burden of graft loss from CAN, significantly improving renal allograft survival and quality of life in transplant patients. Future specific interventions to test the hypothesis of a direct causal relationship between sub-clinical herpes virus infection and CAN may include the use of anti-viral therapy in response to sub-clinical infection of the renal allograft and/or peripheral blood.
The prognosis of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)infeciton varies from minimal progressive disease to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Host genetic factors contribute to disease severity. It is known that cytokine gene (including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) polymorphism affect disease prognosis.This study aims to assess the effect of TNF-alpha and IL-10, and their interaction,on prognosis of HCV-related chronic liver disease