RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

An International Observational Study of Adults With Acute Infection

Researchers are conducting a worldwide study to learn more about acute infections in adults admitted to hospital. An 'acute infection' is one that comes on suddenly. This study will involve collecting health information and samples, but no new treatments are being tested. The aim is to understand better how infections spread, what symptoms they cause, and how the body fight them. This knowledge will help doctors and scientists design better clinical trials in the future. It’s particularly useful for new infections, like flu, COVID-19, or Mpox, helping us react quickly to new health challenges.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Minnesota

Enrolment target

1,500

Start

25 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

08 Jun 2027

Infectious Disease

What is this study about?

Imagine doctors and scientists trying to understand a new disease, or even common infections, when they don't have all the pieces of the puzzle. This study is like gathering those puzzle pieces from many different people all around the world who are in hospital with an infection. By carefully collecting information and samples, researchers can build a clearer picture of infections.

This is an "observational study," which means doctors will simply observe and record what happens to you and collect samples as part of your usual care. You won't be given any new or experimental treatments specifically for this study. Instead, the focus is on understanding real-world situations, such as why some people get sicker than others, what common symptoms appear, and how different infections develop.

The information gathered from many patients helps scientists understand infections better, whether they are new diseases like COVID-19 or more common ones. This knowledge is really important because it helps them choose the best ways to test new treatments in future studies and ultimately improve how all infections are managed. It’s all about learning from today to make tomorrow's medical care better.

Key takeaways

Observational study: no new treatments, just gathering information.
Aims to understand infections better to help future patients.
Participation involves sharing medical data and routine samples.
No extra tests or procedures beyond your usual care.
Your decision to join or leave the study will not affect your care.
Helps scientists prepare for new and emerging infections.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and currently in hospital, or about to be admitted, because of an infection. You also need to have started showing symptoms of your infection within the last month (30 days).

Before joining, you – or someone legally allowed to make decisions for you – must agree to take part and understand what is involved. This is called 'informed consent'.

There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are currently in prison (unless it’s for quarantine due to an infection), or if your care is focused only on making you comfortable at the very end of life. Also, if you can’t or don’t want to follow the study procedures, or if your doctor thinks it’s not in your best interest to participate, you won't be able to join.

Quick self-check

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you in hospital (or about to be) because of an infection?
Did your infection symptoms start within the last 30 days?
Are you able to agree to take part, or is there someone who can decide for you?
Is your care focused on getting better, rather than just comfort at the end of life?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to participate in this study, you won't need to do anything extra beyond your standard hospital care. The researchers will simply observe your condition and collect information from your existing medical records, including details about your symptoms and how your illness progresses. They will also collect samples, such as blood or swabs, that are already being taken for your routine treatment. There are no additional visits or assessments required for this study, and you won't be given any study-specific medication. The duration of your participation will depend on how long you are in the hospital for your acute infection.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct medical benefits to you from taking part in this study, as no new treatments are being given. However, the information gathered from your participation will help researchers worldwide understand infectious diseases better, which could lead to improved treatments for others in the future. Since no extra procedures are performed beyond your regular care, there are no additional risks. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (47)

Banner University Medical Center Tucson
Tucson, United States· Recruiting
Stanford University Hospital & Clinics (Site 203-003)
Palo Alto, United States· Recruiting
UCSF Medical Center (Site 203-001)
San Francisco, United States· Recruiting
Orlando VA Medical Center (074-032)
Orlando, United States· Recruiting
University of Illinois at Chicago (Site 008-012)
Chicago, United States· Recruiting
University of Kansas Medical Center (Site 080-044)
Kansas City, United States· Recruiting
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States· Not yet recruiting
Mayo Clinic (Site 054-001)
Rochester, United States· Recruiting
University of Nebraska Medical Center (Site 080-045)
Omaha, United States· Recruiting
New York University Langone Health (301-013)
New York, United States· Recruiting
Mount Sinai Medical Center (Site 301-012)
New York, United States· Recruiting
Duke University (301-006)
Durham, United States· Recruiting

+35 more sites — see the official record for the full list.

Common questions

What is an 'observational study'?

It means doctors will simply watch and record information about your health and treatment as it happens during your hospital stay. No special treatments or interventions are given for the study.

Will I receive any new treatment as part of this study?

No, you will not. This study does not involve giving any new or experimental treatments. Your medical team will continue to provide the best standard care for your condition.

What kind of information will be collected?

Researchers will collect details about your symptoms, the results of your tests, and how you respond to treatment. They might also collect samples like blood or swabs that are already being taken for your care.

How long will I be involved in the study?

Your involvement will last as long as you are recovering from your acute infection in the hospital. There are no long-term follow-up visits after you leave the hospital for the purposes of this study.

Can I change my mind after joining?

Yes, absolutely. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting the medical care you receive.

How to find out more

Rebecca Schoenecker

webe0376@umn.edu 612-624-9644 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.