Herpes Zoster
Conditions
Keywords
Herpes zoster, PCR, Varicella zoster Virus (VZV), Shingles, GSK Biologicals
Brief summary
This study will evaluate and compare various methods for collecting lesion samples from subjects with clinically diagnosed herpes zoster for the laboratory confirmation of herpes zoster. The samples will be tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect VZV DNA. Multiple samples from each type of herpes zoster lesion will be collected in order to determine whether the analysis of duplicate samples enhances the sensitivity of VZV DNA detection for the diagnosis of herpes zoster. In addition, blood will be collected for the evaluation of VZV immunity at the time of the initial herpes zoster sample collection (after herpes zoster has been clinically diagnosed) and one month later in order to establish the range of cellular and humoral immune responses during natural herpes zoster in adults ≥50 years old.
Detailed description
This non-prophylactic, non-therapeutic study involves NO treatment of study participants. The Protocol Posting has been updated in order to comply with the FDA Amendment Act, Sep 2007.
Interventions
Four types of HZ lesions will be collected (Swabs of vesicles, Swabs of papules, Swabs of crusts and Crusts), 3 replicates of each.
Two blood samples taken, the first at the time of HZ diagnosis and the second one month later.
Sponsors
Study design
Eligibility
Inclusion criteria
* Clinically diagnosed with herpes zoster by the investigator including the presence of a typical herpes zoster rash. * A male or female aged 50 years or older at the time of the subject's enrolment. * Written informed consent obtained from the subject. * Subjects who the investigator believes that they can and will comply with the requirements of the protocol should be enrolled in the study.
Exclusion criteria
* Any malignancy for which the subject is receiving active treatment, or any haematological malignancy. * Chronic administration (defined as more than 14 days) of immunosuppressants or other immune-modifying drugs within three months prior to the first vaccination, including corticosteroids, except inhaled and topical steroids are allowed. * Concurrently participating in another clinical study, at any time during the study period, in which the subject has been or will be exposed to an investigational or a non-investigational product (pharmaceutical product or device). * Previous vaccination against herpes zoster. * Confirmed or suspected immunosuppression, based on medical history or physical examination (no laboratory testing required). * A family history of congenital or hereditary immunodeficiency. * History of or chronic alcohol or drug abuse.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Number of VZV DNA copies per clinical sample collected. | At the time of the clinical diagnosis of HZ (Month 0). |
| Number of HSV DNA copies per clinical sample collected. | At the time of the clinical diagnosis of HZ (Month 0). |
| Number of actin DNA copies per clinical sample collected. | At the time of the clinical diagnosis of HZ (Month 0). |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Anti-VZV Ab concentrations. | At Months 0 and 1. |
| Frequencies of gE-specific memory B cells. | At Months 0 and 1. |
| Frequencies of CD4/CD8 T cells with antigen-specific IFN-g and/or IL-2 and/or TNF-α and/or CD40L secretion/expression to gE. | At Months 0 and 1. |
| Occurrence of all SAEs. | During the whole study period. |
| Frequencies of VZV-specific memory B cells. | At Months 0 and 1. |
| Frequencies of CD4/CD8 T cells with antigen-specific IFN-g and/or IL-2 and/or TNF-α and/or CD40L secretion/expression to VZV. | At Months 0 and 1. |
| Anti-gE Ab concentrations. | At Months 0 and 1. |
Countries
Germany