A new study in Southampton is investigating a vaccine designed to protect against paratyphoid fever.
Researchers are seeking healthy volunteers aged between 18 and 55.
Paratyphoid fever is caused by a type of bacteria called Salmonella Paratyphi A. It affects over three million people each year but there is no licensed vaccine.
The Oxford Vaccine Group, which is part of the University of Oxford, is leading the study.
Local volunteers will take part at the NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility (CRF) at University Hospital Southampton.
Volunteers will receive up to £3,340 in compensation if they remain in the study for the entire 14-month period.
Bacterial infection
Paratyphoid infection is most common in parts of Asia.
The disease, which is similar to Typhoid fever, spreads through poor sanitation and dirty water.
Symptoms of infection include headache, fever, chills and general aches and pains. It can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
New vaccine
Research has shown that having a previous infection with Salmonella Paratyphi A might protect people from further infection.
The University of Maryland in the USA has developed a weakened (attenuated) form of this bacteria to act as an oral vaccine. This would protect people without causing them disease.
In this new study, half of the participants will receive two doses of the new vaccine. The other half will receive a placebo.
One month after the second dose, they will drink a solution containing the paratyphoid bacteria to see if they are protected from infection. This will help researchers understand if the new vaccine is effective.
Participants will be monitored closely and treated with antibiotics as soon as they show signs of infection.
Taking part
The study involves attending 31 study visits at the NIHR Southampton CRF at Southampton General Hospital.
Participants will also have to attend three study visits at the coordinating centre in Oxford, for which transport will be provided.
Please call 02381 204989 or email CRFstudyteam@uhs.nhs.uk to find out more.