The NoseSpn-Elderly study aims at characterizing the immune response in the upper respiratory tract in adults aged 60 and over diagnosed with a pneumonia due to a Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) infection. The immune response during the acute phase of the infection and after recovery will be compared to the immune response of asymptomatic Spn carriers as well as to the immune response of patients diagnosed with a viral respiratory infection (flu or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)).
The primary objective of this observational study is to quantify the inflammatory response in the nasal cavity and to correlate it with bacterial/viral load and with clinical parameters. The study also aims to compare the inflammatory response measured in the nose to that measured in the blood.
Participants will have two study visits including a blood draw, several nasal samplings (nasal lining fluid and nasal cells) and a saliva sampling, one within 72 hours of their hospital admission and another one month later. Nasal lining fluid and saliva will be obtained every two or three days until discharge from the hospital or resolution of symptoms. During those visits, questions regarding symptoms will be asked.
Aged 60-85 years
Able to provide informed consent either independently or by a legal representative
Group 1 (Spn pneumonia patients): clinical and/or radiological signs of pneumonia
Group 1 (Spn pneumonia patients): positive Spn urinary antigen and/or blood culture and/or positive sputum test.
Immunosuppression,
Use of inhalation and/or nasal steroids the last month
Intubation or under invasive mechanical ventilation
Long-term antibiotic treatment prior to disease onset
University Hospital, Geneva
Lead sponsor
University of Geneva, Switzerland
Sponsor institution