Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

The Oxford Vaccine Group, part of the University of Oxford Department of Paediatrics, have been successful in gaining funding from the European Vaccine Initiative and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for new research into Salmonella Paratyphii.

The group, who are based in the Centre for Clinical Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine on the Churchill Hospital site, are pleased that this major new funding allows them to launch a new study with the aim of advancing the scientific knowledge of paratyphoid disease and the effect this has on the human immune system in the hope of finding an effective vaccine in the near future.

Salmonella Paratyphi infections cause symptoms similar to typhoid fever, which is becoming an increasing problem in developing countries, particularly in Asia. Although very rare in the UK it can be picked up by travelers in these countries. Paratyphoid infection is responsible for over five million infections each year, mostly affecting children. Although the disease can be treated with antibiotics and could be prevented with access to clean water and sanitation facilities there are still many deaths each year. Despite this a vaccine has not yet been found.

The Oxford Vaccine Group, lead by Professor Andrew Pollard, plan to enrol up to 80 volunteers, who will swallow a drink containing Salmonella Paratyphi bacteria. They will then follow them closely in the subsequent two weeks performing blood, stool (faeces), saliva and urine tests to see how their immune system responds to the bacteria. 

If you are interested in finding out more about this important global health project, visit the study information page.

Similar stories

Oxford gets £122m funding for healthcare research

Health and care research in Oxford is to receive £122 million in government funding over the next five years to improve diagnosis, treatment and care for NHS patients. The funding was awarded to the two NIHR Biomedical Research Centres.

Study raises hope of pre-school type 1 diabetes screening programme

Researchers in Oxford have launched the first UK study in the general population to test for early markers of type 1 diabetes before children develop symptoms or need insulin.

Angelman syndrome: first patient to receive potential therapy in Oxford

Things that seemed impossible, only a few years ago, are happening today. The first patient in Europe and one of the first in the world was injected with a potential treatment, GTX-102, in a phase I/II clinical trial in Oxford.

New model for infant leukaemia announced

The breakthrough could lead to development of new treatments for infant Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.

Why it's so hard to treat pain in infants

For decades physicians believed that premature babies didn’t experience pain. Here’s what doctors know now – and the innovative solutions being embraced by today's caregivers.

Oxford to work with Brazil to establish clinical research hub

The University of Oxford and Brazilian Ministry of Health have announced a joint initiative to set up a global health and clinical research unit in Brazil led by Professor Sue Ann Clemens CBE.