Multi-centre EuRopean study of MAjor Infectious Disease Syndromes (MERMAIDS) – Observational Study of Acute Respiratory Infections in Primary and Secondary Care
Acute respiratory infections
This is an observational study. Blood and respiratory samples will be collected at baseline, day 2, date of hospital discharge (if applicable) and day 28. Samples will be analysed to determine aetiology of respiratory infection and to identify host and pathogen related determinants of severity of infection.
Group 1 – primary care patients: 1. Age ≥ 18 years 2. Patient is self-attending to primary care (i.e. ambulatory) 3. Clinical suspicion of a new episode of acute respiratory tract infection 4. Onset of the following symptoms within the last 7 days: 4.1. Sudden onset of self-reported fever OR tympanic temperature of ≥ 38°C at presentation AND 4.2. At least one respiratory symptom (cough, sore throat, runny or congested nose) AND 4.3. At least one systemic symptom (headache, muscle ache, sweats or chills or tiredness) Group 2 – hospitalised patients: 1. Age ≥ 18 years 2. Clinical suspicion of a new episode of acute respiratory tract infection 3. Patient is admitted to hospital 4. Primary reason for hospital admission is clinical suspicion of a new episode of ARI 5. Onset of the following symptoms within the last 7 days: 5.1. Sudden onset of self-reported fever OR tympanic temperature of ≥ 38°C at presentation AND 5.2. At least one respiratory symptom (cough, sore throat, runny or congested nose) AND 5.3. At least one systemic symptom (headache, muscle ache, sweats or chills or tiredness)
Group 1 – primary care patients: 1. Patient lacks capacity to provide informed consent 2. No informed consent is provided by patient 3. The attending primary care physician decided to send patient to the hospital for assessment and possible hospital admission 4. Patient is enrolled in an interventional clinical study Group 2 – hospitalised patients: 1. Patient lacks capacity to provide informed consent 2. No informed consent is provided by patient 3. Patient has been transferred from another hospital 4. Patient is enrolled in an interventional clinical study