The proposed study will investigate respiratory aerosols in SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2) positive and negative children and adults with the Resp-Aer-Meter (Palas GmbH). For this purpose, first, the measurement of respiratory aerosols (particle sizes and concentration) with the Resp-Aer-Meter will be established. Thereafter, a comparison between polymerase chain reaction (PCR) SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative participants (children and adults) will be conducted. In addition to the measurement of aerosols, the clinical symptoms, lung function (FEV1) and laboratory inflammatory markers will be analyzed.
Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral illness caused by SARS-CoV-2. Current research suggests that the SARS-CoV-2 infection is primarily spread through droplets and aerosols. As per current literature, the spread through asymptomatic carriers, as well as highly contagious carriers ('super spreader') play an important role in the infectiousness of the virus. It is currently unclear, if the contagiousness of children differs from adults. In the proposed investigation, measurement of the particle size and concentration in respiratory aerosols will be conducted via the Resp-Aer-Meter (Palas GmbH). First step will be to establish the measurements with this new device. Thereafter, a comparison between PCR SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative participants, as well as between children and adults, will be conducted. In addition to the measurement of aerosols, the clinical symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, lung function (FEV1) and laboratory inflammatory markers, if available, will be analyzed.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
DIAGNOSTIC
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
525
Measurement of respiratory aerosols (particle size and concentration) through breathing into the Resp-Aer-Meter for 3-6 Minutes and comparison between groups.
Comparison of peak expiratory flow (PEF) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) between groups.
Comparison between result of aerosol measurement and quantitative and qualitative virus PCR of respiratory secretions that are caught in a filter in which the patient breathes for 10 minutes. Test will be conducted on patients with high aerosol concentrations (\>5000/L).
Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Hospital
Frankfurt am Main, Hesse, Germany
RECRUITINGAerosol concentration in PCR SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative participants
Distinction between PCR SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative participants via aerosol measurement. Especially participants with high aerosol concentrations should be detected.
Time frame: Each patient visit will take about 1-2 hours.
Change in aerosol concentration over time in PCR SARS-CoV-2 positive participants
Characterization of longitudinal change in aerosol concentration over the course of illness in PCR SARS-CoV-2 positive patients.
Time frame: 7 days
Aerosol concentration in children and adults
Distinction between children and adults via aerosol measurement.
Time frame: Each patient visit will take about 1-2 hours.
Qualitative and quantitative virus detection in respiratory secretions of patients with high aerosol concentrations.
Quantitative and qualitative virus PCR measurements of respiratory secretions in participants with aerosol concentrations \> 5000/L.
Time frame: Each patient visit will take about 1-2 hours.
Cofounder Analysis
Investigation of change in aerosol concentration due to confounders, such as age, sex, other viral illness, lung function, height, weight, BMI and smoking status.
Time frame: Each patient visit will take about 1-2 hours.
Aerosol concentration and clinical symptoms in PCR SARS-CoV-2 positive participants
Correlation between clinical symptoms and results of aerosol measurement in PCR SARS-CoV-2 positive participants. Determination if more symptoms lead to higher aerosol concentrations.
Time frame: Each patient visit will take about 1-2 hours.
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