A Clinical Study to Develop an Uninfected Sand Fly Biting Protocol (NCT03999970) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
A Clinical Study to Develop an Uninfected Sand Fly Biting Protocol
United Kingdom12 participantsStarted 2019-10-03
Plain-language summary
The disease leishmaniasis mainly occurs in hot and tropical countries, affects millions of people and causes around 20,000 deaths across the world every year. Leishmaniasis is caused by the Leishmania parasite and is transmitted by sand flies. The parasite is tiny and not visible to the naked eye, whereas the particular sand fly is visible but small and inconspicuous. There are different types of leishmaniasis around the world and some can be very serious. They affect the skin (cutaneous leishmaniasis) or the internal organs of the body (visceral leishmaniasis). Some of the milder forms will produce skin problems which will be localised, whilst other forms of leishmaniasis will cause widespread skin changes. The skin lesions of cutaneous leishmaniasis can be disfiguring if left untreated.
There are some treatments for leishmaniasis available but many of them are not easy to use or don't work well. Therefore new treatments and vaccines are needed that prevent or work against leishmaniasis.
A solution being adopted for other diseases, which the investigators now wish to adopt for leishmaniasis is to develop a 'Controlled human infection model' (CHIM). These models involve deliberate exposure of individuals to an infection, in order to better understand how the disease works and to test potential vaccines and treatments. They have contributed vital scientific knowledge that has led to advances in the development of drugs and vaccines.
This is an initial study using uninfected (disease-free) sand flies, taking place at the University of York. The information from this study will help us to develop a model in the future using infected sand flies so that the investigators can assess any future vaccines against Leishmaniasis. The investigators will also hold a focus group after the sand fly biting study to explore the experiences of individuals taking part in this study.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Healthy adults aged 18 to 65 years on the day of screening
* Willing and able to give written informed consent
* Willing to undergo an Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C \& HIV test
* Willing to undergo a pregnancy test during screening and follow-up visits and must not be breastfeeding (female volunteers)
* Willing to refrain from blood donation during the study
* Using a reliable and effective form of contraception (female volunteers)
* Judged, in the opinion of a medically qualified Clinical Investigator, to be able and likely to comply with all study requirements as set out in the protocol
* Without any other significant health problems as determined by medical history, physical examination, results of screening tests and the clinical judgment of a medically qualified Clinical Investigator
* Available for the duration of the study
* Willing to refrain from travel to regions where Leishmania-transmitting sand flies are present, from recruitment until the last study visit.
* Willing to consent to a report from the volunteer's GP (General Practitioner) confirming medical eligibility, to be provided before study entry
Exclusion Criteria:
The volunteer may not enter the study if any of the following apply:
* Receipt of a live attenuated vaccine within 30 days or other vaccine within 14 days of screening
* Administration of immunoglobulins and/or any blood products within the three months preceding the planned study.
* History of allergic disease/atopy or reacti…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Percentage of participants who successfully undergo sand fly bite during a 30 minute exposure determined by visual dermatoscopy