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Collection of Blood From Persons With Hemoglobin and Erythrocyte Polymorphisms for Laboratory Malaria Research

NCT00277849 · Status: COMPLETED · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 130

Last updated 2017-07-02

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This study will collect blood samples for use in laboratory studies of malaria. The World Health Organization reports that 40 percent of the world's population is at risk for malaria, mostly in the poorest countries. It is a serious disease caused by parasites. Each year, 300-500 million infections lead to more than a million deaths. However, there are traits in red blood cells (erythrocyte) that protect people against malaria. In this study, polymorphism refers to the various kinds of red blood cell traits.

The sickle cell trait is an example of one that seems to offer a natural survival advantage in children where malaria is common. Researchers at the Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research are investigating ways in which the blood cell traits can offer such protection, and new knowledge gained can bring about medical advances. Of particular importance is studying how the malaria organism, Plasmodium, survives inside different red blood cells. A steady, consistent, and reliable supply of fresh whole blood is necessary for testing.

Patients 18 to 65, weighing more than 110 lbs. and who do not have anemia or known HIV, Hepatitis C, or Hepatitis B may be eligible for this study.

Patients will undergo a medical history and general assessment including vital signs of temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. Blood will be collected from a vein in the arm, or rarely a vein in the hand. A complete blood count, or CBC, will be done to ensure that blood levels are sufficient and that blood donation is safe for a patient to do. Patients need to have enough hemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body. The blood will also be tested to confirm the type of red blood cell traits of patients. About 1 to 8 tablespoons may be collected, but most blood samples will be small, that is, 1 to 4 teaspoons. After the patients' first visit, sessions will take 5-20 minutes. Blood collection will total no more than 2 cups from a donor during any 6-week period. Although the frequency of blood donations is not known at this time, it is unlikely that a patient will be asked to donate blood more than four times a year. It may be important for patients to undergo a repeat CBC or tests for blood chemistry if results are needed for research. Risks associated with blood collection are considered minimal. They include discomfort, occasional bruising or bleeding at the puncture site, and faintness.

In this study, it is possible that a small amount of blood may be stored for future research, to help the researchers to learn more about malaria. There are no plans for the results from the various research laboratory tests to be made available to patients or to their private doctors. However, patients in this study may discuss the results of routine medical tests with the study investigators. Some of the blood collected will be tested for genetic conditions. Through genetic testing, researchers can learn more about how health or illness may be passed on to people by their parents, or from people to their children. All results of tests will remain confidential. Blood samples will be labeled by code, and reference to patients' identities will be protected.

Participants will receive $50 for each blood donation. This study will not have a direct benefit for participants. Future research that uses their blood samples will help researchers to learn about malaria as well as how to prevent or treat the disease.

Conditions

  • Hemoglobin Mutations
  • Erythrocyte Variants

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

    lead NIH

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
65 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2006-01-11
Completion
2010-07-20

Countries

  • United States

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT00277849 on ClinicalTrials.gov