What factors break the Scarlet Fever Transmission Chain? [COVID-19] [UPH]
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigation of group A strep abundance and transmissibility during outbreaks of scarlet fever
IRAS ID
225006
Contact name
Becky Ward
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN13773960
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
In our study, “What factors break the Scarlet Fever Transmission Chain?“, we will evaluate current interventions to reduce seasonal surges in Scarlet Fever. Guidelines are in place for managing scarlet fever outbreaks in schools and nurseries that provide advice to GP’s, schools, and carers on antimicrobial treatment, exclusion from school, and hygiene procedures. We aim to see how effective these interventions are, by taking throat swabs, hand swabs, and “cough“ sample plates from children (2-8 years) in nurseries/schools affected by Scarlet Fever. We would also like to administer a survey to the parents/carers of children affected by Scarlet Fever. There are unprecedented surges in Scarlet Fever in England affecting up to 16,000 children per year. Scarlet fever is not in itself a serious illness but can cause complications and provides bacteria that can “seed“ more dangerous invasive infections. It is essential to understand the nature of the illness and best measures to reduce outbreaks. The burden on families and community health services is also unknown. We will primarily identify the bacterial strains, treatments, and hygiene interventions that influence duration of bacterial infection, symptoms of illness, and transmission during scarlet fever outbreaks. We will also characterise the nature and burden of scarlet fever on patients, families and the wider community (duration of illness, time off school, work etc.) Study subjects will be children (2-8 years old) with Scarlet Fever and classmates from schools or nurseries where clusters of scarlet fever have been notified to Public Health England, including those unaffected by illness as well as household contacts of those with Scarlet Fever. Location: Primary schools and nurseries in London, plus home visits for children off school. Study Duration 3 years March-May Samples/Data Collected: Throat swab and ‘cough’ plates; hand swabs; Parent survey (questionnaire). Subjects will be followed for a maximum of four weeks. Amendment to include transmission of SARS-CoV2 in addition to Scarlet Fever.
REC name
London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/0025
Date of REC Opinion
10 Feb 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion