Island studies

The CCU conducted a number of island studies to observe how colds are transmitted, and whether there a correlation existed between susceptibility to viral infections and isolated communities.

Tristan da Cunha study:

An investigation was carried out at Tristan da Cunha, a remote group of volcanic islands, to examine whether there was a relationship between the low levels of antibodies contained within the sera of inhabitants, and the island's remoteness.

The inhabitants of Tristan da Cunha lived mostly in isolation without contact from the outside world, aside from occasional visits from ships, which often resulted in cold epidemics. The study examined the correlation between ship visits and the occurrence of viral infections.

The study also examined the occurrence of infection with common respiratory infections prior to leaving the island of Tristan da Cunha (following a volcano explosion), and after reaching Britain in 1962.

Hebridean islands (Eilean nan Ròn):

In July 1950, 12 volunteers were sent to the island of Eilean nan Ròn, an uninhabited island off the west coast of mainland Scotland. The group of volunteers were kept in complete isolation on the island for 3 months before being reintroduced to contact with civilisation. After this isolation period, other volunteers inoculated with a cold virus were sent to the island to observe the transmission of colds.

1950-1973

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