NCT01222741 · National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Studies of Disorders With Increased Susceptibility to Fungal Infections
What this study is about
Background: \- Researchers are interested in studying disorders that make individuals more susceptible to fungal infections, specifically infections with the Candida yeast.
View original scientific description
Background: \- Researchers are interested in studying disorders that make individuals more susceptible to fungal infections, specifically infections with the Candida yeast. These disorders are often related to problems with the immune system and may have genetic factors, which suggests that researchers should study not only the individual with the disorder, but also his or her first- and second-degree relatives (such as parents, siblings, children, and first cousins). To provide material for future research, individuals with immune disorders and their first- and second-degree relatives will be asked to provide blood and other samples for testing and comparison with samples taken from healthy volunteers with no history of immune disorders. Objectives: \- To collect blood and other biological samples to study immune disorders that make individuals more susceptible to fungal infections. Eligibility: * Individuals of any age who have abnormal immune function characterized by recurrent or unusual fungal infections, recurrent or chronic inflammation, or other types of immune dysfunction. * First- or second-degree genetically related family members (limited to mother, father, siblings, grandparents, children, aunts, uncles, and first cousins). * Healthy volunteers at least 18 years of age (for comparison purposes). Design: * Participants will provide blood samples and buccal (cells from the inside of the mouth near the cheek) samples. * Participants with immune disorders will also be asked to provide urine samples, saliva or mucosal samples, or skin tissue biopsies, and may also have imaging studies (such as x-rays) to collect information for research. * Samples may be collected at the National Institutes of Health or at other clinical locations for the samples to the sent to the National Institutes of Health. * No treatment will be provided as part of this protocol.
Primary outcome measures
characterization
Time frame: 10 years
Characterize and compare the clinical and laboratory features of APECED, CMC, and other primary immunodeficiencies or particular conditions (such as infancy or diabetic subjects) with increased susceptibility to Candida or other fungal infections.
Determine the prevalence of mutation
Time frame: 10 years
Determine the prevalence of AIRE mutations in patients with increased susceptibility to Candida or other fungal infections.
genotype-phenotype correlation
Time frame: 10 years
Establish a genotype-phenotype correlation in patients with different AIRE mutations.
Determine and compare the functionality
Time frame: 10 years
Determine and compare the functional integrity of Th17, Dectin1, and AIRE pathways in patients with increased susceptibility to Candida or other fungal infections with and without AIRE mutations
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
- Patients To be eligible to participate in this study as a patient, an individual must meet the following criteria:
- Be 2 years of age to be seen at the Clinical Center as an outpatient. Children \<=3 years of age must not have severe infections, as assessed by the investigator, to be seen at the Clinical Center. Send-in samples may be submitted by participants \>30 days of age.
- Have an abnormality of immune function as manifested by recurrent or unusual fungal infections, recurrent or chronic inflammation, or previous laboratory evidence of immune dysfunction. Of particular focus of this study are patients with:
- Hyper-immunoglobulin E syndrome (Job s syndrome)
- Biotinidase deficiency
- IKAROS defects
- AIOLOS defects
- IRF4 defects
- Other conditions showing increased susceptibility to such infections as described in infants and type 1 diabetic patients
- Have a primary physician outside of the NIH.
- Agree to have blood stored for future research.
- Ability of subject or Legally Authorized Representative (LAR) to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document. Relatives To be eligible to participate in this study as a relative, an individual must meet the following criteria:
- Be 2 years of age to be seen at the Clinical Center as an outpatient. Children \<=3 years of age must not have severe infections, as assessed by the investigator, to be seen at the Clinical Center. Send-in samples may be submitted for participants \>30 days of age.
- Be a mother, father, sibling, child, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or first cousin to a patient participant.
- Adult relatives must be able to provide informed consent.
- Agree to have blood stored for future research. Healthy volunteers To be eligible to participate in this study as a healthy volunteer, an individual must meet the following criteria:
- Be 18 to 85 years old.
- Have a hemoglobin count of \>11 g/dL.
- Weigh \>=110 pounds.
- Be able to provide informed consent.
- Be willing to have blood stored for future research.
Exclusion criteria
- Patients and Relatives In general, there are no strict exclusion criteria for these cohorts. However, the presence of certain types of acquired abnormalities of immunity solely due to HIV, chemotherapeutic agent(s), or an underlying malignancy could be grounds for possible exclusion for a patient or relative. In the opinion of the investigator, the presence of such disease processes may interfere with evaluation of a co-existing abnormality of immunity that is the subject of study under this protocol. Pregnant females will not be allowed to participate in any procedure that may be dangerous to the pregnancy or the fetus. Healthy volunteers An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation as a healthy volunteer in this study:
- Is receiving chemotherapeutic agent(s) or has an underlying malignancy.
- Is pregnant.
- Has a history of heart, lung, or kidney disease, or bleeding disorders.
- Has HIV or viral hepatitis (B or C), or history of viral hepatitis B or C since age 11.
Where
- Bethesda, Maryland
Related conditions & keywords
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 9, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations