The pneumonia multicentric pilot study was launched in 2010 as part of Fondation Mérieux’s applied research activities coordinated by the Laboratory of Emergent Pathogens (LPE) and the GABRIEL network. Designed as a prospective multicentric case-control study, this research project is carried out in 9 countries belonging to the GABRIEL network: Brazil, Cambodia, China, Haiti, Lebanon, Madagascar, Mali, Mongolia, and Paraguay with the collaboration of hospitals and partnerships from local research institutions.
The purpose of this study is to deliver information on pneumonia causative agents (bacteria and / or viral) enabling better case management of patients. Furthermore, this study will help improve treatment of hospitalized children and adapt vaccines against pneumococcus. This should lead to the reduction in mortality among children in the specified regions, and potentially improve the development of preventive approaches.
As we approach the end of the fourth quarter after launch, the pneumonia multicentric pilot study has successfully completed the initial research phase receiving approvals from the IEC in August 2011 for all sites and from the Cornell University.
The initial phase of the study continues with almost 400 cases being recruited with an equal number of controls, all of which were the subject of the Fourth Interim Report presented between 15 – 25 October 2011. The procedures for harmonizing, validation and monitoring of all activities and findings of the study are in the process of being standardized. It is anticipated that the methodology presently being developed will not only be of use for this current study, but should also serve as a model for other forthcoming research projects.
Finally, we are pleased to announce that two new sites in India will shortly join the study thanks to the fruitful collaboration with Sanofi Pasteur.
The international dimension of the study represents a very positive challenge.