Microbes and Respiratory Illnesses

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN, MADISON · Sep 22, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Microbes and Respiratory Illnesses (MARI) Study is looking into how exposure to different types of microbes on farms might help children develop healthier immune systems. Researchers believe that being around these microbes can lower the risk of getting severe colds, asthma, and allergies. The study is currently recruiting children aged 4 to 12 years, including those from Plain communities and the Madison area. There are specific groups of children being sought: those diagnosed with asthma, those without asthma, and those currently experiencing a respiratory illness.

To participate, children need to be in the right age range and meet certain criteria, such as having a parent or guardian who can give consent. Participants will undergo assessments related to their respiratory health, and the study aims to understand the relationship between microbes and respiratory conditions better. It's important to note that children with certain health issues, like chronic sinus infections, or who are planning to move away before the study is complete won't be eligible. Overall, this study is an exciting opportunity to learn more about how our environment affects children's health.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Participant and/or parent guardian must be able to understand and provide informed consent
• • 2. Children ages 4-12 years of age
• • 3. Cohort 1: Family is self-identified as Traditional agrarian (TA) Community member
• • 4. Cohort 2: Madison-area children with parental report of doctor-diagnosed asthma
• • 5. Cohort 3: Madison-area children with no history of asthma by parental report
• • 6. Cohort 4: Madison-area children who have an active respiratory illness
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Inability or unwillingness of a participant to give written informed consent or comply with study protocol
• • 2. Chronic sinusitis (frequent sinus infections)
• • 3. Plans to move out of the area before completing the study
• • 4. Past or current medical problems or findings from physical examination or laboratory testing that are not listed above, which, in the opinion of the investigator, may pose additional risks from participation in the study, may interfere with the participant's ability to comply with study requirements or that may impact the quality or interpretation of the data obtained from the study
• • 5. Enrolled family member