Objective: Using an animal model for measles, we have recently developed a hypothesis to explain the mechanism of measles immune suppression (De Vries et al., PLoS Pathogens 8:e1002885, 2012). We hypothesize that MV causes massive infection and…
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Viral infectious disorders
Synonym
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
Main study parameters/endpoints: The study consists of two cohorts. In cohort A
clinical specimens (a blood sample and swabs of the upper respiratory tract)
will be collected from children with an acute MV infection, shortly before, at
or after onset of rash. The main study parameter in this group will be the
characterization of MV-infected lymphocytes in peripheral blood, in order to
confirm that the virus predominantly infects memory T- and B-lymphocytes. In
cohort B blood samples will be collected from children that have not yet been
exposed to MV. A second blood sample will be collected two to three weeks after
recovery from measles. The main study parameter in this group will be the
quantification of pre-existing memory lymphocyte populations in peripheral
blood, to test the hypothesis that these cell populations are decimated during
measles.
Secondary outcome
As a secondary objective, we will try to validate and translate observations
from our animal model studies to natural measles virus infections in children.
To this end, we will measure hematological, virological and immunological
parameters in white blood cells, plasma and swabs of the upper respiratory
tract.
Background summary
Rationale: Measles remains an important vaccine-preventable cause of morbidity
and mortality. It was estimated that in 2010 the disease was responsible for
139,000 fatal cases world-wide. Hallmark of the disease is a transient but
severe immune suppression, which results in increased susceptibility to
opportunistic infections. In the Netherlands, children are usually vaccinated
against measles at the ages of 14 months and 9 years. However, a group of
socio-geographically clustered orthodox Protestants refuses vaccination on
religious grounds. As a result, outbreaks of infectious diseases are repeatedly
observed in this community. The last measles outbreak occurred in 1999/2000,
and a new outbreak has started in June 2013.
Study objective
Objective: Using an animal model for measles, we have recently developed a
hypothesis to explain the mechanism of measles immune suppression (De Vries et
al., PLoS Pathogens 8:e1002885, 2012). We hypothesize that MV causes massive
infection and subsequent depletion of memory lymphocytes, and thus largely
wipes out immunological memory. The objective of the current study is to
validate this hypothesis in naturally infected measles patients: we will verify
if MV predominantly infects memory lymphocytes, and if this results in
depletion of pre-existing memory lymphocytes.
Study design
Study design: Observational cohort study
Study burden and risks
The burden is minimal: subjects will either undergo a single collection of
throat swab, nose swab and blood sample during the acute phase of the disease,
or collection of two blood samples before and after measles. Furthermore, the
collection of patient data is minimal: gender, age (in months), number of
siblings and the day of onset of rash (in days relative to the moment of sample
collection). The risk associated with the performed procedures is negligable:
small risk of fainting, developing bruises on the blood collection spot or
developing a nose bleed after swabbing.
's-Gravendijkwal 230
Rotterdam 3015 CE
AF
's-Gravendijkwal 230
Rotterdam 3015 CE
AF
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
In order to be eligible to participate in this study, a subject must meet all of the following criteria:
- Aged 4-17 years old
- Unvaccinated against measles
- No known history of natural measles
Exclusion criteria
- Chronic disease
- Immune suppression (due to medication or underlying disease)
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL45323.078.13 |