About this study
Many children around the world get sick because of infectious diseases. Doctors and scientists need better ways to learn how germs spread, how they make children ill, and why some infections are hard to treat. During regular medical care, samples like bacteria or blood are often left over after tests are done. The care team usually throws the samples away. But these samples could help researchers learn more about infections.
Researchers will use a sample bank called BUGBANK to collect and store leftover samples that are no longer needed. These may come from children treated at St. Jude or from approved research studies. Samples can include bacteria, fungi, blood, swabs from the nose, or types of body fluids collected during care.
This study will also store limited health information, such as age and details about the infection. All samples and information will be coded to protect privacy. Researchers will not be given names or other identifying details. Being part of this study will not change a child’s care. No new treatments will be given.
Researchers may request samples from BUGBANK for approved studies. A review committee will look at each request to make sure the research is appropriate and important. Scientists may use the samples to study how infections spread, how germs resist medicine, or how the immune system responds to illness.
Researchers want to learn more about germs, treatment resistance, and immune responses in children. They hope to learn how saved infection samples can help answer new questions. This knowledge may help improve future research, testing, and care for infections.
Eligibility overview
- Patients who receive care for a suspected or confirmed infection and have samples leftover after testing
- People who take part in approved research studies and agree to store leftover research samples