Scientists create controlled whooping cough infection to speed up vaccine research

NCT ID NCT05136599

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Dalhousie University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This completed phase 1 study tested whether giving healthy adults a controlled dose of whooping cough bacteria via nasal spray can safely cause mild infection. The goal was to establish a human infection model for future vaccine and treatment research. 79 participants aged 18-40 were enrolled to find the optimal dose that causes mild symptoms without serious harm.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Bordetella pertussis bacteria (intranasal)
What this could lead to: If successful, this model could help researchers test future pertussis vaccines and treatments more efficiently.
What could go wrong: This is an early-phase study with only 79 healthy adults, so results may not apply to the general population. The infection is mild and controlled, but risks include developing pertussis symptoms.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for PERTUSSIS are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

pertussis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PERTUSSIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Canadian Center for Vaccinology

Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3K 6R8, Canada

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.