The goal of this observational study is to answer a few questions about respiratory tract infections in South African children: 1. How do children with COVID-19 and other respiratory (chest, throat, ear or nose) germs show symptoms? What signs should be looked for, and which children are more likely to get seriously ill? Are there any new germs that haven't been discovered yet? Can immune cells in saliva predict which children will get more severe disease? 2. The body's immune response (soldier- cells) in blood and saliva (spit) will be studied. 3. What is the short-term effect of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses/ germs on the breathing (lung function) of children? 4. What is the impact of respiratory germs on the quality of life in children and their families? The investigators aim to recruit a minimum of 250 children with respiratory pathogens.
Age range
13 Years
Sex
ALL
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Poly-reactive and pathogen-specific antibodies in the saliva and serum of South African children presenting with an acute respiratory tract infection to Tygerberg Hospital.
Timeframe: Antibodies will be measured at baseline (enrolment) in saliva and serum and in saliva on the second and third day of admission and on the day of discharge (up to 90 days from baseline).
Targeted protein markers in the saliva and serum of children presenting to Tygerberg Hospital with an acute respiratory tract infection.
Timeframe: Inflammatory protein markers will be measured in saliva and serum at baseline, with additional saliva measurements on days 2 and 3 of admission and on the day of discharge (up to 90 days).
The respiratory pathogens identified in children presenting to Tygerberg Hospital with acute respiratory illnesses
Timeframe: Nasopharyngeal aspirates will be done at baseline (day of enrolment).
Margaret van Niekerk, Masters (Human Nutrition)