Marshfield Clinic seeks volunteers for respiratory and gastroenteritis study
By Patrick Lynn
CENTRAL WISCONSIN – Marshfield Clinic is calling for volunteers to participate in a study examining respiratory illnesses and gastroenteritis in the Marshfield area, aiming to better understand the frequency and causes of these common ailments.
The PACC-ER study, led by Marshfield Clinic Research Institute scientists Huong Nguyen and Joshua Petrie, will enroll about 1,500 people of all ages over a two-year period. While more than 700 participants have already joined, hundreds more are needed to meet the enrollment target by the end of 2024.
“Most of us remember getting sick with cough, cold or flu symptoms or a stomach bug,” Nguyen said. “These illnesses can make you feel miserable and prevent you from going to work or school. This study will provide much-needed information on the frequency and causes of these illnesses in the community.”
Nguyen added that the study’s findings could guide vaccine development and help doctors treating respiratory illnesses or gastroenteritis.
Participants will complete weekly surveys to report their health and send in samples when symptoms occur. Nose swabs will be collected for respiratory symptoms such as coughs or colds, while stool samples will be requested for stomach-related illnesses. Samples will be tested for germs, including influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), with results shared with participants.
Blood and saliva samples will also be collected to measure immune responses during three study visits: at enrollment, in summer 2025, and in summer 2026. Children under 5 years old can participate without providing blood or saliva samples. Participants may earn between $228 and $378 depending on their level of participation, with additional compensation available for extra activities.
Petrie emphasized the significance of the study for the community.
“People in central Wisconsin are always willing to help out friends and neighbors and support the community,” Petrie said. “This is a wonderful opportunity for Marshfield-area residents to participate in science that is community-focused. It’s quite rare for a large research study like this to take place in a rural Midwestern setting. This is big-time infectious disease research that will be used at the national level.”
The study is open to residents of several area communities, including Abbotsford, Auburndale, Marshfield, Pittsville, and Stratford. Children under 5 years old from nearby communities may also qualify.
For more information about the study or to volunteer, visit marshfieldresearch.org/pacc, call 800-468-9700, or email [email protected]. The study is funded by Moderna, Inc.