IJERPH, Vol. 16, Pages 4515: Risk Factors for Acute Rheumatic Fever: Literature Review and Protocol for a Case-Control Study in New Zealand
This study aims to recruit at least 120 cases and 360 controls matched by age, ethnicity, gender, deprivation, district, and time period. For data collection, a comprehensive pre-tested questionnaire focussed on exposures during the four weeks prior to illness or interview will be used. Linked data include previous hospitalisations, dental records, and school characteristics. Specimen collection includes a throat swab (Group A Streptococcus), a nasal swab (Staphylococcus aureus), blood (vitamin D, ferritin, DNA for genetic testing, immune-profiling), and head hair (nicotine). A major strength of this study is its comprehensive focus covering organism, host and environmental factors. Having closely matched controls enables the examination of a wide range of specific environmental risk factors.
Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Michael G Baker Jason Gurney Jane Oliver Nicole J Moreland Deborah A Williamson Nevil Pierse Nigel Wilson Tony R Merriman Teuila Percival Colleen Murray Catherine Jackson Richard Edwards Lyndie Foster Page Florina Chan Mow Angela Chong Barry Gribben Diana Tags: Protocol Source Type: research
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