We are pleased that the Infection Network in the NUM Study Network has reached a significant first milestone - also for the overall concept of the NUM study network! Since the start of recruitment on 5 May 2025, over 150 patients have already been successfully included in our prospective cohort study. This is a fantastic success that demonstrates the efficiency and commitment of the network.
It is particularly noteworthy that patient recruitment is based on the broad consent of the Medical Informatics Initiative and study-specific patient information and consent. Another special feature is the harmonised Master's study protocol, which applies to all five modules (see below for module names). It forms the basis for standardised, high-quality data collection and the establishment of a consistent biosample infrastructure. The data obtained in this way can help to address urgent challenges in infection medicine and pandemic prevention in a targeted manner.
A look at the figures:
- 100 patients were already included on 10 June 2025.
- By 25 June 2025, the number had risen to 156 patients.
- The first patient was enrolled at the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) in Prof Marylyn M. Addo's team.
- Currently, 9 out of 15 sites are already actively participating in the data collection, with the remaining sites starting shortly.
The patients included are distributed across the five modules of the specialist network as follows
- Bloodstream infections: 50 patients
- Respiratory tract infections: 47 patients
- Gastrointestinal infections: 42 patients
- Infections of the central nervous system: 15 patients
- New infections: 2 patients
Patients are included at different levels of frequency and detail of data and biospecimen collection ("tier"):
- Tier 0 comprises the collection of routine clinical data and the storage of pathogens;
- Tier 1 additionally includes structured and comprehensive biospecimen collection;
- Tier 2 provides for serial biospecimen collection and is only activated in the event of a pandemic or special research interest - for example, if the specialist network decides to focus specifically on certain pathogens or entities.
Of the 156 patients enrolled so far, 115 have been included in Tier 0 and 41 in Tier 1.
Our sincere thanks go to the patients for their participation and to the dedicated staff at the study centres for their tireless efforts.
The rapid progress would not have been possible without your willingness, diligence in data collection and close collaboration. Your commitment is the foundation of this joint success. Thank you for your trust in the NUM study network and for your valuable support of this important endeavour.
We are confident that, together with our community, we can make an important contribution to infection research and sustainably strengthen healthcare in Germany.