Thousands of older people are being recruited for a groundbreaking trial of what could become the world’s first vaccine against a deadly superbug. Around 19,000 people are infected with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) annually in England, and rates have risen by half in the last six years. More than 2,400 people died within 30 days of contracting C. diff in 2024/25.
The highly contagious bacteria can infect the large intestine, causing symptoms including diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fever. It produces toxins that damage the lining of the bowel, triggering inflammation and, in severe cases, life-threatening complications. The vaccine, made by Pfizer, stimulates the body to produce antibodies that target these toxins.
Jane Lyons, 73, of Bury, Greater Manchester, is among volunteers aged over 65 who have joined the study. She received her second injection last Wednesday. The retired paediatrician said: “I don’t know if it’s a vaccine or a placebo, but I’ve had two doses. I know there isn’t currently a vaccine for C. difficile.
“It tends to spread through hospitals really easily because people are quite close together, and it’s the toxins that really cause the damage. So this vaccine will hopefully provide some immunity against the toxins. It won’t stop you getting diarrhoea — but it might stop you dying.”
Almost one in six older people diagnosed with the superbug die within 30 days. C. diff is estimated to cost the NHS between £140 million and £330 million every year. Outbreaks can force the closure of wards and isolation of affected patients, adding to the strain on hospitals.
The bug is particularly difficult to control because its spores can survive for months on surfaces and resist many ordinary disinfectants.
Grandmother-of-four Jane will attend regular check-ups and keep a weekly electronic diary of symptoms. She and her husband Ian are keen supporters of clinical trials. They have been enrolled in the UK Biobank research database for more than 20 years and previously took part in Covid and flu vaccine studies.
Jane urged others to get involved in research, adding: “If you have the opportunity to take part in a clinical trial, just do it. It’s really easy. They treat you very well, and you’re doing something to help other people and the NHS. Why would you not want to do it?”
Some 32,000 patients are being recruited for the trial, with one third expected to come from the UK. After about three and a half years, researchers should be able to determine whether the vaccine significantly reduced the rate of infections compared with a placebo.
Clinical trials company Panthera Biopartners is enrolling participants in the UK. Its chief medical officer, Dr Mahadev Ramjee, said: “C. difficile can have devastating consequences for older people, often leading to severe illness, prolonged recovery and repeat hospital admissions. If successful, this vaccine could be transformational in protecting those most at risk, while reducing the burden of this infection on patients and health systems alike.”
Panthera has partnered with health tech company Cera, which delivers three million home healthcare visits each month to vulnerable and older people across the UK.
Cera’s Trials at Home Programme will help to connect research teams with over-65s who could benefit most from the vaccine, including those susceptible to repeat hospital admissions. The company’s founder, Dr Ben Maruthappu, said: “C. difficile infection is exactly the kind of condition where prevention can save lives.
“It disproportionately affects older people, particularly following a hospital stay, and can lead to serious illness and readmission. Strengthening prevention will help protect those most at risk while reducing avoidable pressure on health services.”
You can find out more about the trial and eligibility criteria here.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
