People often get sick with respiratory symptoms, such as ‘a cold’ or ‘the flu,’ and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, such as ‘the stomach flu’ or ‘diarrhea.’ We want to learn more about the germs that cause these respiratory and GI symptoms.
The Prospective Assessment in a Community Cohort: Enteric and Respiratory pathogens (PACC-ER) Study is a large research study that will enroll and follow about 1,500 people of all ages who live in the Marshfield, Wisconsin area for up to 2 years. The goal is to understand how often people get infected, learn more about the type of illness people in different age groups have, and the best ways to prevent them. Researchers will test nose swabs and stool samples to identify the germs that may be causing illnesses. Blood and saliva samples will be tested to learn about immune responses. The study results will help inform efforts to prevent respiratory and GI illnesses in communities.
This study is being led by Drs. Huong Nguyen and Joshua Petrie at the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute and funded by ModernaTX, Inc.
What Will Happen in the Study?
If you join the study, you will:
- Answer a few questions every week for up to 2 years.
- Complete a longer survey at the start of the study, and each summer after.
- Collect and mail in a nose swab sample when you have respiratory symptoms.
- Collect and mail in a stool (poop) sample when you have GI symptoms.
- Answer questions about your illnesses.
- Come to Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield for at least 3 blood draws. We will also collect a saliva sample at the first visit. Some people may be asked to provide more blood and/or saliva samples. Blood collection is optional for children under 5 years of age.
- Allow us to access your medical records to collect relevant information for this study.
- Be paid for your time and effort on the study.
Who Can Join the Study?
Children and adults who live in or near Marshfield, Wisconsin will be selected randomly (by chance) to be part of this study. Selected individuals will receive an invitation and study code by mail.
If you received an invitation and study code, please use the volunteer link on this site to fill out the forms to let us know you are interested and confirm that you are eligible. You can contact the study team by phone or email if you have questions.
Children under 5 years of age can volunteer without an invitation. To see if your child is eligible, please complete this form. Under 5 Volunteer Form
This study is voluntary. You do not have to participate.