Research study reaches milestone to help tackle severe viral infections

Over 900 people have taken part in a national study to help improve ways to prevent and treat respiratory infections.

The UNIVERSAL study is exploring how and when patients with different respiratory viruses may progress to more serious disease.

This could help develop effective antiviral treatments to combat these infections.

The study is being led by Southampton’s Professor Tom Wilkinson. He is a theme lead at the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre.

The research is supported by the Southampton Clinical Trials Unit (CTU). It is sponsored by University Hospital Southampton.

Biomarker analysis

In the study, patients admitted to hospital with different respiratory infections have blood and swab samples taken. These are analysed for certain biomarkers that indicate immune and inflammatory responses in the body.

Patients are also assessed by medical teams and asked to fill in questionnaires. These monitor their symptoms and any progression of the infection.

The hope is that by combining all this information, researchers will gain a better understanding of which viruses are affecting the population. They may then be able to identify those patients who may become more seriously ill. They could also better predict their recovery and length of stay in hospital.

Aiming for ‘real-world impact’

Pedro Rodrigues, Senior Trial Manager at the Southampton CTU and study co-investigator, said:

“Every winter, respiratory viruses like flu and RSV stretch NHS resources to their limit. The UNIVERSAL study is tackling this by collecting real-time data and working closely with frontline clinicians. This is crucial to help us better understand how these viruses impact patients and healthcare services.

“Our goal is to make real-world impact, move from sickness to prevention and from hospital care to community-based care, protecting patients and strengthening our NHS when it’s needed most.”

Overall, the study is aiming to recruit 1,000 patients who test positive for a viral respiratory infection at up to 20 hospital sites around the UK.

The team hope that recruitment will be completed by early 2026.