Scientists deliberately infect volunteers with whooping cough to study natural defenses
NCT ID NCT05847322
First seen May 20, 2026 · Last updated Jun 20, 2026 · Updated 9 times
Summary
This study will intentionally expose 72 healthy adults to the bacteria that cause whooping cough to see how the body fights it off without immediate antibiotics. Participants will be monitored closely for up to 6 weeks before receiving antibiotics to clear the infection. The goal is to learn about natural immunity, how long the bacteria survive, and whether it spreads to close contacts.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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NIHR Clinical Research Facility
RECRUITINGSouthampton, Hampshire, SO16 6YD, United Kingdom
Contact
Contact
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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 (whooping cough germ) and azithromycin antibiotic
What this could lead to
If successful, this study could help researchers develop better vaccines or treatments for whooping cough by understanding how the body clears the infection naturally.
What could go wrong
This is an early-stage human infection study with only 72 healthy volunteers. The infection may cause symptoms, and delaying antibiotics carries risks. Results may not apply to vulnerable populations like infants.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.