Evaluating the viability of bacterial STIs in men who have sex with men

Assessment of Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Viability by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in Men Who Have Sex With Men

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital, Bordeaux · NCT05959408

This study is testing a new method to see if bacterial STIs are still active in men who have sex with men by collecting samples from different areas of the body.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment600 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexMale
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Bordeaux Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bordeaux)
Trial IDNCT05959408 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess the viability of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Mycoplasma genitalium in men who have sex with men (MSM). It involves collecting samples from three anatomical sites: pharyngeal, urogenital, and anal, and analyzing them using a novel viability PCR (V-PCR) method. This method distinguishes between viable and non-viable bacteria, addressing the limitations of traditional nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) that cannot confirm active infections. The study is conducted at the Bordeaux University Hospital and targets high-risk MSM populations for more accurate STI management.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are males over 18 years who identify as men who have sex with men and are consulting at the Bordeaux University Hospital.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years or those under legal protection measures will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective treatment strategies for STIs by accurately identifying active infections.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using viability PCR in women have shown promising results, indicating that this approach may also be effective in men.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Males \> 18 years
* Men who have sex with men
* Participant consulting at the Bordeaux University Hospital
* Oral consent to participate in the study
* Member or beneficiary of a social security system

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participant \< 18 years
* Participant subject to a legal protection measure (protection of the court, guardianship or curator).
* Participant deprived of liberty by judicial or administrative decision.

Where this trial is running

Bordeaux

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Men Who Have Sex With MenChlamydia trachomatisNeisseria gonorrhoeaeMycoplasma genitaliumviability PCRNucleic acid amplification tests
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.