HOUSTON -- (May 19, 2009) -- Baylor College of Medicine has begun studies with patients as the first step to help develop a vaccine for the H1N1 (swine flu) virus.
Q&A with Dr. Keitel
How is BCM involved in studying the H1N1 Flu?
What is the goal of the study?
How can people participate?
Nationally, 200 patients one-month of age and over, who have had confirmed cases of the H1N1 (swine flu) virus, will be enrolled in the study.
Eligible participants will contribute nasal, throat and/or blood samples. Researchers will use these samples to isolate the virus for further characterization and study how the immune system responds.
Locally, the research will be led by Dr. Wendy Keitel, professor of molecular virology and microbiology at BCM and director of the college's Vaccine Treatment and Evaluation Unit, one of eight federally-funded centers.
Patients in the study may be referred by their physician. Patients are not being contacted directly by research personnel.
"Our goal is to collect information about the viruses and the patients' immune responses after infection," Keitel said. "This information will help guide the vaccine development process and help us better understand the course of illness and response to therapy."
For more information or to schedule a media interview, contact the BCM Office of Public Affairs, 713-798-4710.
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HOUSTON -- (May 19, 2009) -- Baylor College of Medicine has begun studies with patients as the first step to help develop a vaccine for the H1N1 (swine flu) virus.