Virological Surveillance of Acute Respiratory Infection in Primary Health Care in Metropolitan France
RS-viro IRA
1 other identifier
observational
25,000
0 countries
N/A
Brief Summary
Every year in the fall and winter, numerous respiratory viruses (such as influenza viruses, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), RSV, rhinovirus, and metapneumovirus) circulate in mainland France, causing acute respiratory infections (ARIs). These viruses can cause epidemics of varying severity, requiring close monitoring to determine their circulation levels and adapt public health measures accordingly. In France, ARI surveillance relies on two networks: the Sentinelles network in primary care and the RENAL network in hospitals. The Sentinelles surveillance is conducted in collaboration with Santé publique France, the National Reference Center for Respiratory Infection Viruses (Institut Pasteur and Hospices Civils de Lyon), and the University of Corsica. As part of the virological surveillance of ARIs, Sentinelles physicians are asked to collect nasopharyngeal swabs or saliva samples from a sample of patients presenting with an ARI during their clinic visits. This surveillance makes it possible to identify respiratory viruses circulating in primary care (general practice and pediatrics), to describe confirmed cases for each of the circulating viruses, and to estimate the impact of each on general practice. This surveillance also allows for the evaluation of the effectiveness of vaccines against influenza and COVID-19.
Trial Health
Trial Health Score
Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach
participants targeted
Target at P75+ for all trials
Started May 2026
Longer than P75 for all trials
Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.
Trial Relationships
Click on a node to explore related trials.
Study Timeline
Key milestones and dates
First Submitted
Initial submission to the registry
May 6, 2026
CompletedStudy Start
First participant enrolled
May 15, 2026
CompletedFirst Posted
Study publicly available on registry
May 20, 2026
CompletedPrimary Completion
Last participant's last visit for primary outcome
May 15, 2031
ExpectedStudy Completion
Last participant's last visit for all outcomes
May 20, 2031
May 20, 2026
May 1, 2026
5 years
May 6, 2026
May 13, 2026
Conditions
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcomes (1)
Proportion of acute respiratory infection (ARI) cases seen in private practice (general practice and pediatrics) that tested positive for influenza viruses (by type and subtype), SARS-CoV-2, RSV, rhinovirus, and metapneumovirus
Baseline
Secondary Outcomes (2)
Weekly incidence rate of acute respiratory infections caused by influenza viruses and SARS-CoV-2 seen in general practice
Baseline
Proportion of patients included vaccinated against influenza
Baseline
Study Arms (1)
Individuals with an ARI consulting a GP or a private pediatrician in mainland France
Interventions
Based on the protocol, physicians perform either a nasopharyngeal swab or saliva collection on included patients. The method is determined by scientific data and epidemiological constraints, not by the patient. Saliva collection: The physician oversees the collection during the visit using the provided kit (pipette, tube, etc.). Depending on constraints, the patient may perform the collection at home if agreed upon. If the patient is unable to self-collect (e.g., infants, facial paralysis), the physician collects the saliva directly from under the tongue using the pipette.
Based on the protocol, physicians perform either a nasopharyngeal swab or saliva collection on included patients. The method is determined by scientific data and epidemiological constraints, not by the patient. Nasopharyngeal sampling: During the consultation, the physician performs a deep nasal swab using the provided kit (FFP2 mask, swab, transport tube, absorbent, SafetyBag, and pre-paid envelope for partner labs).
Eligibility Criteria
Patients seen in GPs' consultation with an acute respiratory infection
You may qualify if:
- be seen by a general practitioner or pediatrician participating in the Sentinelles surveillance program;
- between week 40 (late September-early October) and week 15 (mid-April) of each year
- have an acute respiratory infection (ARI) as defined below: Sudden onset of fever (or feeling of fever) and respiratory symptoms
- have given oral consent to participate in this monitoring or, in the case of minors, oral consent given by the child's legal guardian(s) present at the consultation
You may not qualify if:
- a person who is subject to a court-ordered protective measure;
- a person who is under guardianship or conservatorship, unless accompanied by their legal guardian or unless the legal guardian objects to their participation;
- a person who is not in a condition to receive information or give consent.
Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.
Sponsors & Collaborators
Related Links
Biospecimen
nasopharyngeal swab
MeSH Terms
Conditions
Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)
Study Officials
- PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Thierry BLANCHON, MD, PhD
Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, France
Central Study Contacts
Study Design
- Study Type
- observational
- Observational Model
- CASE ONLY
- Time Perspective
- PROSPECTIVE
- Sponsor Type
- OTHER GOV
- Responsible Party
- SPONSOR
Study Record Dates
First Submitted
May 6, 2026
First Posted
May 20, 2026
Study Start
May 15, 2026
Primary Completion (Estimated)
May 15, 2031
Study Completion (Estimated)
May 20, 2031
Last Updated
May 20, 2026
Record last verified: 2026-05