Immune Regulation in Chronic Aspergillus Infection After COVID-19 Infection

Launched by TAIPEI VETERANS GENERAL HOSPITAL, TAIWAN · Nov 12, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how the immune system responds in patients with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, especially after they have had COVID-19. Researchers want to understand how well certain immune cells, called neutrophils, can fight off Aspergillus fungi, which can cause serious lung infections. The study will look at different groups of patients: those with chronic aspergillosis, those who had Aspergillus infections after COVID-19, and people who had COVID-19 but no Aspergillus infection. They will collect information over time to see how patients' immune functions change and will also check for specific antibodies in their blood.

To be eligible for this trial, participants should be 20 years or older and have a confirmed diagnosis of pulmonary aspergillosis or related lung conditions, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma. Patients with other serious health issues or those who are pregnant cannot participate. If someone joins the study, they can expect to provide blood samples and undergo various tests to help researchers gather important information about their immune response over the next year. This research aims to improve our understanding of how COVID-19 may affect the immune system's ability to combat fungal infections.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Confirmed cases include patients diagnosed with pulmonary aspergillosis, acute or subacute Aspergillus infections, and aspergillosis in other anatomical sites (such as sinuses, middle ear, liver). Additionally, this study will enroll patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or those undergoing treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis who continue to exhibit worsening pulmonary radiological findings without a clear etiology, necessitating hospitalization or outpatient care for unexplained community-acquired pneumonia. Patients with bronchiectasis, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, or other chronic pulmonary conditions who are under continuous follow-up and treatment at our institution will also be included if clinically diagnosed with aspergillosis.
• • The control group will consist of patients who, based on clinical evidence, have no history of prior exposure to Aspergillus or aspergillosis infection after contracting COVID-19.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Individuals aged below 20, pregnant women, patients with advanced-stage (stage II and above) lung cancer, individuals diagnosed with malignancies, patients with mental health disorders requiring consent from a legal guardian for participation, and those in critical end-stage conditions.