Respiratory syncytial virus and S. pneumoniae Challenge Coinfection
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding how two common respiratory infections interact in the nose of healthy adults: Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae
IRAS ID
327739
Contact name
Maheshi Ramasamy
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research Governance, Ethics & Assurance Team (RGEA), University of Oxford
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 31 days
Research summary
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pneumococcus (Spn) are major causes of respiratory infections in humans. Although these bugs can independently cause severe infection, there is growing evidence demonstrating that they can interact with each other and make disease worse. When RSV and Spn co-infect an individual, it can lead to increased pathogen load and risk of transmission in the community. It can also increase disease severity and lead to complications such as pneumonia. Studies have shown that RSV may weaken the body's immune defences against Spn, making it easier for Spn to invade and cause infection. We aim to understand the interaction between RSV and Spn in the nose of healthy adult volunteers. Our group has developed a human infection model to study responses to Spn colonisation in the nose. This model in which people are infected with small amounts of bacteria in their nose allow us to understand why some people get exposed to the bacteria and do not develop infection whilst others do. We will be adopting an established and safe RSV human infection model successfully used in the US and UK to increase our understanding of this infection. In this study we will combine the RSV and Spn infection models. Participants will be randomised to receive either RSV or Spn first. After this, participants will receive the other infection 7 days later. Our hypothesis is that we will see more Spn nasal infection in those who receive RSV first. In the first phase of the study, participants will remain in our medical facility for up to 10 days to monitor safety. Once we confirmed participants are safe, we will deliver the remaining portion of the study as outpatient and volunteers will be asked to self-isolate for 10 days. Results will support the developing of interventions and drugs.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/EE/0219
Date of REC Opinion
19 Oct 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion