Healthy volunteers needed for skin infection research study
STARS: Investigating the early responses to Staphylococcus aureus infection of the skin using a human infection model
About the study
Staphylococcus aureus are common bacteria which can live on our skin without any noticeable effects or harm. However, if they get into the skin it can cause an infection, and the infection can spread into the bloodstream causing more severe and potentially life-threatening disease.
We are looking for healthy volunteers aged 18-55 to take part in a study, with up to £755 offered to participants in compensation for their time, travel, and inconvenience.
In this study, we want to establish a safe and acceptable controlled human infection model of the skin with Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. By doing so, we can learn more about early infectious disease processes and pave the way for future studies to evaluate new vaccine candidates, treatments, and tests more quickly and on a small and reproducible scale. This type of study is known as a human challenge model.
This study is being sponsored by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust with funding provided by United Kingdom Research & Innovation (UKRI).
Chief Investigator
What you'll do
Each participant will be involved in the study for around six months. Participants will be asked to attend the Royal Hallamshire Hospital regularly (approximately 15 times) for research appointments.
Study procedures include controlled bacterial exposure (“challenge”) using a well-characterised strain of bacteria using a microneedle array, non-invasive skin imaging, and the collection of various biological samples such as blood, swabs, and skin biopsies. You’ll also be asked to complete surveys throughout the process to share your personal experience as a participant.
Further information
To find out more about the study, download the participant information sheet or contact us if you require an alternative format.
If you may be interested in taking part, please complete our pre-screening questionnaire. If you are eligible to participate we’ll invite you to register your interest]
Take the pre-screening questionnaire
Contact us
If you would like any further information about the study, please contact us:
- Telephone: +44 114 271 2572 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
- Email: sth.STARS@nhs.net