NCT01011712 · National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
The Natural History of Severe Viral Infections and Characterization of Immune Defects in Patients Without Known Immunocompromise
What this study is about
Background: * Infections caused by viruses are common causes of illnesses: the common cold, many ear infections, sore throats, chicken pox, and the flu are caused by different viruses. Usually, these illnesses last only few days or, at most, a few weeks. Some virus infections like influenza are cleared from the body, and others such as the chicken pox virus remain in the body in an inactive state.
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Background: * Infections caused by viruses are common causes of illnesses: the common cold, many ear infections, sore throats, chicken pox, and the flu are caused by different viruses. Usually, these illnesses last only few days or, at most, a few weeks. Some virus infections like influenza are cleared from the body, and others such as the chicken pox virus remain in the body in an inactive state. However, some people may become quite ill when they are infected with a particular virus, possibly because part of their immune system does not respond properly to fight the virus. * Researchers have discovered some reasons why a person may not be able to clear an infection caused by a virus. Some persons have changes in the genes that involve the immune system that result in the inability to properly control infection with a particular virus. Identifying changes in genes that involve the immune system should help scientists better understand how the immune system works to protect people from infection and may help develop new therapies. Objectives: * To study possible immune defects that may be linked to a particular severe viral infection. * To determine if identified immune defects are genetic in origin. Eligibility: * Individuals of any age who have or have had a diagnosis of a virus infection that physicians consider to be unusually severe, prolonged, or difficult to treat. * Relatives of the participants with a severe viral infection may also participate in the study. We will use their blood and/or skin specimens to try to determine if identified immune defects are hereditary. Design: * Prior to the study, the participant's doctor will give researchers the details of the infection, along with medical records for review. Eligible participants will be invited to the NIH Clinical Center for a full evaluation as an outpatient or inpatient. * At the Clinical Center, participants will be treated with the best available therapy for the particular viral infection, and researchers will monitor how the infection responds to the treatment. * Researchers will take intermittent blood samples and conduct other tests (such as skin biopsies) to evaluate the immune system. - During and after the illness, researchers will conduct follow-up visits to determine the course of infection and response to therapy.
Primary outcome measures
To find immune and/or genetic defects that predispose individuals to severe or unusual viral infections.
Time frame: 10 years
Patients under immune and genetic testing.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- (Participants) Participants must meet all the following inclusion criteria in order to participate in this study:
- Children or adults (regardless of age) with a definitively diagnosed severe or unusual viral infection, including but not limited to infections caused by herpesviruses (HSV-1, HSV-2, CMV, EBV, VZV, HHV-6, HHV-7, HHV-8), human papillomavirus (e.g., severe recalcitrant warts), adenovirus, calicivirus (e.g. norovirus), polyomavirus (such as JC virus and BK virus), or influenza virus. Viral infections that would be considered opportunistic-like , such as herpesvirus esophagitis, herpesvirus encephalitis, CMV colitis, or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (caused by the JC polyoma virus) will be of particular interest in this protocol. OR Children or adults with a well-documented prior, severe, persistent, or treatment-refractory viral infection(s), who have clinically recovered from the viral infection.
- Ongoing care by a referring physician.
- Willingness to allow storage of blood and tissue samples for future analyses. (Relatives) Relatives (2 years or above) may be recruited and enrolled to improve interpretation of genetic results, to expand the phenotype of the suspected or confirmed inborn error of immunity in the proband with severe viral infection, and to understand the co-factors in affected and/or unaffected family members that may influence variable expressivity and penetrance of viral infections in inborn errors of immunity.
- Males and females will be accepted.
- Relatives may either be healthy or have features concerning for an inborn error of immunity including, but not limited to, autoimmunity, severe atopy, other forms of immune-dysregulation, or severe or unusual infections. While the enrolled proband must have a current or prior severe or unusual viral infection, family members who are suspected to have an inborn error of immunity do not need to have a history of severe or unusual viral infection in the presence of other features suspicious for inborn errors of immunity.
- Adult relatives or the guardians of minor relatives must be willing and capable of providing informed consent after review of protocol procedures that are described in the consent form with an appropriate study team member.
- Participating relatives agree to have blood stored for future studies of the immune system.
Exclusion criteria
- Participants meeting any of the following exclusion criteria at baseline will be excluded from study participation:
- Patients with previously diagnosed conditions associated with acquired or iatrogenic immunodeficiency and/or immunosuppresion (e.g., a history of HIV infection, a positive test for HIV, chemotherapy or high dose glucocorticoids). Patients on immunosuppression and/or immunomodulatory therapy for the treatment of conditions that may be attributable to an underlying inborn error of immunity may be included in the study at the discretion of the PI or their designee.
- Women who are pregnant.
- Any condition or major comorbidity that the study investigators believe will compromise the patient's ability to comply with the requirements of the study.
Where
- Bethesda, Maryland
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 8, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations