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.
Diagnostic Test: Resp-Aer-Meter
Measurement of respiratory aerosols (particle size and concentration) through breathing into the Resp-Aer-Meter for 3-6 Minutes and comparison between groups.
Diagnostic Test: Spirometry
Comparison of peak expiratory flow (PEF) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) between groups.
Diagnostic Test: Qualitative and quantitative virus PCR of respiratory secretions in patients with high aerosol concentrations
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).
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age 6 years or older
- SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing within the last 3 days
- Ability to capture extend and consequences of the study
- Written informed consent of patient and, if applicable, of caregiver
Exclusion Criteria:
- Age under 6 years
- Inability to participate in aerosol measurement
- Inability to participate in Spirometry
- Inability to capture extend and consequences of the study
- Only for arm 1 (PCR SARS-CoV-2 negative adults): chronic disease with
immunosuppressive therapy
Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Hospital
Frankfurt, Hessen, Germany
Investigator: Desiree Gutmann, MD
Contact: 004915117190498
desiree.gutmann@kgu.de
Desiree Gutmann, MD
004915117190498
desiree.gutmann@kgu.de
Stefan Zielen, Professor
0049696301 - 83349
stefan.zielen@kgu.de
Stefan Zielen, Professor, Principal Investigator
Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Hospital