inSPIRE Study

Surveillance Platform for Acute Illness: Respiratory and Enteric Pathogens (inSPIRE)

Respiratory illnesses (for example: ‘a cold’ or ‘the flu’) and gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses (for example: ‘the stomach flu’ or ‘diarrhea’) are some of the most common reasons for people to need medical care. These illnesses can be caused by many different germs including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. The goal of this research study is to find out how often different germs cause respiratory and GI illnesses. We also want to find out about the symptoms and severity of these illnesses.

Over the next 2 years, we will be inviting people to take part in the study when they receive medical care for respiratory or GI illnesses from Marshfield Clinic Health System clinics, emergency departments, and hospitals. Study participants will complete surveys and have nose and throat swabs collected (for a respiratory illness) or give a stool sample (for a GI illness). Samples will be tested to identify the germs that may be causing the illnesses. The study results may help develop better ways to prevent and treat respiratory and GI illnesses.

This study is being led by Joshua Petrie, PhD, MPH, and Huong Nguyen, PhD, MPH at the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute.