Longitudinal, community-based sampling is important for understanding prevalence and transmission of respiratory pathogens. Using a minimally invasive sampling method, the FAMILY Micro study ...monitored the oral, nasal and hand microbiota of families for 6 months. Here, we explore participant experiences and opinions. A mixed methods approach was utilised. A quantitative questionnaire was completed after every sampling timepoint to report levels of discomfort and pain, as well as time taken to collect samples. Participants were also invited to discuss their experiences in a qualitative structured exit interview. We received questionnaires from 36 families. Most adults and children >5y experienced no pain (94% and 70%) and little discomfort (73% and 47% no discomfort) regardless of sample type, whereas children ≤5y experienced variable levels of pain and discomfort (48% no pain but 14% hurts even more, whole lot or worst; 38% no discomfort but 33% moderate, severe, or extreme discomfort). The time taken for saliva and hand sampling decreased over the study. We conducted interviews with 24 families. Families found the sampling method straightforward, and adults and children >5y preferred nasal sampling using a synthetic absorptive matrix over nasopharyngeal swabs. It remained challenging for families to fit sampling into their busy schedules. Adequate fridge/freezer space and regular sample pick-ups were found to be important factors for feasibility. Messaging apps proved extremely effective for engaging with participants. Our findings provide key information to inform the design of future studies, specifically that self-sampling at home using minimally invasive procedures is feasible in a family context.
Correspondence to Dr Fathimath Farah Shiham, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK; farah.shiham@doctors.org.uk Convalescent plasma treatment of severe COVID-19: potential ...benefit but many unanswered questions Virus-specific antibodies in convalescent plasma have demonstrated a therapeutic benefit in viral infections such as SARS and may offer similar potential in COVID-19 infection. Liu and colleagues (Nat Med 2020;26:1708) conducted a retrospective propensity score matched control study to evaluate the effectiveness of convalescent plasma therapy in 39 patients with severe or life-threatening COVID-19 within 14 days of symptom onset. For safety reasons, older participants were vaccinated after the 18–55 cohort and hence only 5 cases of COVID-19 had occurred in participants older than 55 at data lock; therefore, vaccine efficacy in this age group could not be assessed.
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