Respiratory immune responses and their interaction in control of nasal colonization with Bordetella pertussis and Staphylococcus aureus in humans
Wellcome Trust
Trinity College Dublin
This research study is designed to examine how the human immune system responds to different types of vaccines and to bacteria that commonly live in the nose, in particular Bordetella pertussis and Staphylococcus aureus. Infection with the bacteria Bordetella pertussis (‘B.pertussis’) causes whooping cough. Vaccines are routinely given in childhood to prevent whooping cough. If you received routine childhood vaccinations you will have received one of two B.pertussis vaccines depending on your year of birth. This study aims to look at how the human immune system responds to different types of B.pertussis vaccines that are or were in routine use. Another important bacteria which may cause disease in humans is Staphylococcus aureus (‘S.aureus’). Approximately 20-30% of healthy people carry these bacteria in their nose without it causing infection. This is called colonisation. However, in some people, infection with S.aureus can be potentially serious and require prompt treatment. This study aims to look at the differences in how human immune system responds in people who are colonised with S.aureus and those who are not. It is hoped that this research will contribute to future work on vaccines that may benefit vulnerable patients susceptible to serious infections with both S.aureus and B.Pertussis.
2.1 Biological and endogenous factors