Research Questions/Hypotheses
The primary aim of this project is to determine the proportion of the general population of Tyrol in whom azole antifungals can be detected in the blood. Secondary aims are: (i) to quantify the absolute blood levels of azole antifungals (among individuals with detectable azoles); (ii) to identify the extent to which levels vary by age, sex, season of the year, and geographical location; and (iii) to investigate associations of levels with dietary habits, i.e. consumption of organic foods, raw foods, and specific products including meats, vegetables and fruits.
Approach/Methods
Analyses will be based on leftover blood donation samples, which can be used for research purposes, or on purpose-designed studies nested within the blood donor cohort (e.g. in people donating platelets). Furthermore, we will aim to supplement the analysis with data from existing population-based cohorts. Associations with other participant characteristics will be assessed using multivariate regression models.
