Sexually Transmitted Enteric Infections in MSM: STEIM Study v1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Acceptability and feasibility of longitudinal sample collection to better understand the epidemiology of enteric infections in men who have sex with men (MSM): a pilot study
IRAS ID
304423
Contact name
Hamish Mohammed
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
UK Health Security Agency
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 30 days
Research summary
The spread of bacteria, viruses and parasites which infect the gut (enteric pathogens) usually occurs through the consumption of contaminated food or water. This is often associated with travel to low income countries with poor food and water hygiene.
Within the last two decades, there have been an increasing number of enteric pathogen outbreaks among men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) globally. Some pathogens are becoming difficult to treat as they no longer respond to medicines (antimicrobial resistance). Evidence suggests that being infected without showing symptoms (asymptomatic carriage) might play an important role in sustaining transmission in MSM.
The overall goal of our research is to better understand the epidemiology of enteric pathogens in MSM to inform the targeting, development and delivery of clinical and public health measures to control transmission. As a first step towards this goal, we are planning to conduct an observational pilot study to assess the feasibility and acceptability of longitudinal sample and epidemiological data collection among MSM attending an NHS sexual health clinic. The pilot study will provide preliminary findings on the duration of carriage and will compare the use of rectal swabs with faecal samples for enteric pathogen detection and typing. The results will inform the design and implementation of a larger study.
We plan to recruit 200 MSM attending the clinic for routine testing and care. Participants will be asked to complete a baseline questionnaire and to provide an initial faecal sample and rectal swab. Follow-up questionnaires and rectal swabs will be collected at weekly intervals for 3 months. Test results will not be returned to participants.
The test results and questionnaire responses will be linked to disaggregate patient-level socio-demographic, clinical and behavioural data extracted from the national STI surveillance system (GUMCAD).
Qualitative interviews will be held with selected participants to explore the facilitators and barriers to participation and longitudinal sample collection.
REC name
London - South East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/LO/0891
Date of REC Opinion
14 Dec 2021
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion