Using azithromycin to eliminate meningococcal bacteria in carriers
Effectiveness of Azithromycin in Eradicating Nasopharyngeal Carriage of N. Meningitidis
This study is testing if a single dose of azithromycin can help get rid of meningococcal bacteria in students who are carriers of the germ.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Emory University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Decatur, Georgia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06618534 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a single oral dose of 500mg azithromycin in eradicating nasopharyngeal carriage of Neisseria meningitidis among carriers. Azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis and has shown broad-spectrum activity against various bacteria. The study is particularly relevant due to the rise of ciprofloxacin-resistant meningococcal strains, prompting a need for alternative prophylactic treatments. Participants will be undergraduate and graduate students from Emory University who are identified as carriers of the bacteria.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are undergraduate and graduate students at Emory University who reside in university-affiliated housing or off-campus housing and are identified as carriers of N. meningitidis.
Not a fit: Patients who are university faculty or staff, pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a history of allergic reactions to azithromycin will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide an effective alternative for eradicating meningococcal carriage, potentially reducing the incidence of invasive meningococcal disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown azithromycin to be effective against N. meningitidis, but this specific application for eradication in carriers is less well-studied, making it a novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Able to provide their own informed consent and understand study procedures * Undergraduate and graduate students attending Emory University affiliated campuses who reside in university affiliated housing (for undergraduate/graduate) or in off-campus housing (undergraduates). Exclusion Criteria: * University faculty and staff * Currently pregnant or breast feeding * History of immediate or moderate-to-severe allergic reactions to azithromycin * Individuals who have taken systemic antibiotics for any reason in the 30 days prior to enrollment * Individuals with any symptoms of acute illness at the time of screening
Where this trial is running
Decatur, Georgia
- Hope Clinic of the Emory Vaccine Center — Decatur, Georgia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Paulina Rebolledo, MD, MSc — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Paulina Rebolledo, MD, MSc
- Email: preboll@emory.edu
- Phone: 404-251-8855
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.