In-depth Analysis of the Immune Responses in the Upper Respiratory Tract in Older Adults Infected or Colonized With Streptococcus Pneumoniae (Spn)

Launched by UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, GENEVA · May 21, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The NoseSpn-Elderly study is researching how the immune system reacts in the upper respiratory tract of older adults, specifically those aged 60 to 85, who have pneumonia caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn). The study aims to compare the immune responses of these patients to those who have viral infections like the flu or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as well as to healthy individuals who carry Spn without showing any symptoms. By understanding these immune responses, researchers hope to learn more about how the body fights off these infections.

If you or a family member are interested in participating, you must be between 60 and 85 years old and able to give consent. Eligible participants will be divided into three groups: those with pneumonia from Spn, those with viral respiratory infections, and healthy Spn carriers. During the study, participants will have two visits where they will undergo blood draws, nasal fluid tests, and saliva samples, along with symptom questionnaires. The first visit will happen within 72 hours of hospital admission and the second one will be about a month later. Throughout the study, nasal and saliva samples will be collected every few days until the participant is discharged from the hospital or their symptoms improve. This research could help improve our understanding of how respiratory infections affect older adults.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion criteria:
• • 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.
• • Group 2 (viral respiratory infection patients): clinical signs of a respiratory infection
• • Group 2 (viral respiratory infection patients): positive test for influenza or RSV
• • Group 3 (asymptomatic Spn-carriers): healthy without clinical signs of infection and no lower respiratory symptoms within the last month.
• Exclusion criteria:
• • 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