Updates to the Central Data Repository of the Cohort Coordination Board: hantavirus studies and a new syndromic mapping approach

The Central Data Repository (CDR), managed by the Cohort Coordination Board (CCB), has been recently updated with 25 new studies: six hantavirus cohort studies and 19 influenza-like illness (ILI)/acute respiratory infection (ARI) cohort studies identified through a new syndromic mapping approach.

The CDR offers a comprehensive collection of metadata from cohorts and trials across Europe focusing on infectious diseases with epidemic and pandemic potential. The repository is publicly accessible and supports data sharing and coordination in response to emerging health threats. Metadata is presented in Study ID Cards which include details such as the study name, design, participant numbers, enrolment dates, locations, population and setting. Studies can be explored using interactive filters and a map of Europe.  

New hantavirus studies 

In response to the hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius, the CDR was expanded to add hantavirus to its coverage of infectious diseases. Six cohort studies have been added, located in Germany (2), Austria (1), France (1), Slovenia (1) and Türkiye (1). The newly included studies include adult and elderly populations, and investigate a range of natural history topics such as long-term outcomes following infection, disease severity, kidney complications, immune responses, and potential prognostic markers.

New syndromic mapping approach

To complement pathogen-specific mapping activities, the CDR methodology has been expanded to include a syndromic mapping approach, to identify cohort studies investigating ILI/ARI. 19 ILI/ARI cohort studies were identified and uploaded on the CDR. Studies are located in Italy (7), the United Kingdom (6), the Netherlands (4), Germany (2), Spain (2), Belgium (1), France (1), Greece (1) and Switzerland (1); four of the 19 cohorts are multi-country studies. The studies cover a range of research areas, including diagnostics, vaccination, and natural history of infection. They include diverse populations, from infants (<1 year) to elderly (≥65 years), and represent different settings including community and primary care.

You can access the CDR here.  For further information on why the CDR was created and how to use it, please visit the CDR landing page here. 

Call for Collaboration:  The Cohort Coordination Board encourages researchers, clinicians, and public health professionals to collaborate with the CDR, through data contributions, entry amendments, and project partnerships. To do so, please contact: ccb@ateneo.univr.it  

About the Cohort Coordination Board  

The Cohort Coordination Board is dedicated to fostering collaboration and data sharing in clinical research, particularly in the field of infectious diseases. The Board is committed to providing researchers with the resources and tools necessary to address public health emergencies effectively. 

This work is part of the VERDI (101045989) and CoMeCT (101136531) projects, which were funded by the European Union.  

Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Health and Digital Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.