Respiratory Aerosols in Patients With COVID-19 and Healthy Controls

Measurement of Respiratory Aerosols in PCR SARS-CoV-2 Positive and Negative Children and Adults

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.

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