Recruits needed for landmark immunity study

A SAHMRI research team is seeking participants aged 18-35 for a study investigating the role gut bacteria play in how people respond to vaccination.

The Antibiotics and Vaccine Immune Response Study (AVIRS) is led by Prof David Lynn, with Research Fellow Dr Natalie Stevens leading recruitment efforts.

Dr Stevens says AVIRS is the largest study of its kind in the world.

“The study will assess whether taking antibiotics that deplete your microbiome – the bacteria in your gut – influences response to vaccination,” she said.

Researchers will administer participants with the bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine which has been used for many decades against tuberculosis.

“One of the reasons we picked BCG is because we don't give it in Australia much at all," Dr Stevens said.

“This vaccine is also known to boost the immune system more generally. We suspect the gut microbiota might be involved in these responses too."

Participants will be required to attend multiple visits at SAHMRI, have blood taken and receive up to two courses of the safe, approved BCG vaccination. They will be reimbursed up to $750 for their time.