Protocol Number: 06-I-0074

Title:

Collection of Blood from Persons with Hemoglobin and Erythrocyte Polymorphisms for Laboratory Malaria Research

Number:

06-I-0074

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.

Sponsoring Institute:

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

Recruitment Detail

Type: Participants currently recruited/enrolled

Gender: Male & Female

Referral Letter Required: No

Population Exclusion(s): Children

Eligibility Criteria:

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Normal volunteer or volunteer with a known or suspected erythrocyte mutation.

Age greater than or equal to 18 and less than or equal to 65 years old.

Weight greater than 110 pounds.

Ability to sign the consent form.

Willingness to comply with study procedures.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Transfusion of any blood products within the past 90 days.

Active bleeding.

Clinically apparent and/or symptomatic anemia (pallor, orthostasis, etc).

Self-reported history of HIV, Hepatitis B virus, or Hepatitis C virus infection.

Severe chronic disease (e.g. end-stage renal failure, malignancy, etc).

Significant medical history, physical examination, or laboratory test results indicating that the subject should not participate in a clinical trial.

Special Instructions:

Currently Not Provided

Keywords:

Sickle

Hemoglobinopathy

Thalassemia

G6PD

Plasmodium

Recruitment Keyword(s):

Erythrocyte Variant

Hemoglobin Variant

Thalassemia

G6PD

Healthy Volunteer

HV

Condition(s):

Hemoglobin Mutations

Erythrocyte Variants

Investigational Drug(s):

None

Investigational Device(s):

None

Intervention(s):

None

Supporting Site:

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Contact(s):

Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office
Building 61
10 Cloister Court
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4754
Toll Free: 1-800-411-1222
TTY: 301-594-9774 (local),1-866-411-1010 (toll free)
Fax: 301-480-9793

Electronic Mail:prpl@mail.cc.nih.gov

Citation(s): Not Provided

• Questions about participating in a study, please contact the Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office, CC.
• Technical questions regarding the Clinical Center web site, please contact the Department of Networks and Applications, CC.

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National Institutes of Health Clinical Center Bethesda, Maryland 20892. Last update: 09/20/2008