Active not recruitingPHASE1, PHASE2INTERVENTIONAL

Bacteriophage Therapy for Morganella Morganii Prosthetic Joint Infection

This study is looking at a new way to treat a serious hip joint infection in one patient. The infection is caused by a germ called Morganella morganii, and it's happening in someone who has an artificial hip. Standard treatments, like antibiotics and operations, haven't worked for this person, which has really affected their quality of life. The new treatment uses something called 'phage therapy'. Phages are like natural enemies of bacteria – they are tiny viruses that can infect and kill specific types of bacteria without harming human cells. The study aims to see if giving this patient phage treatment can get rid of the infection and stop it from returning. It could offer new hope for people with difficult-to-treat infections.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

PHASE1, PHASE2

Sponsor

University of Calgary

Enrolment target

Start

26 Mar 2025

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2026

Prosthetic Joint Infections of Hip

What is this study about?

This study is focused on a very specific and challenging problem: an infection in an artificial hip joint caused by a germ called Morganella morganii. This kind of infection can be very difficult to get rid of, especially when standard treatments like strong antibiotics and operations haven't worked. For the person involved in this study, these failed treatments have seriously affected their daily life and wellbeing.

The good news is that scientists are exploring new ways to fight these tough infections. This study is testing one such new approach called 'phage therapy'. Phages are like nature's own germ-killers. They are tiny viruses but don't worry, they are not the kind of viruses that make people sick. Instead, each type of phage is designed to attack and destroy very specific bacteria, much like a key fits only one lock. The idea is that these phages can target and kill the Morganella morganii bacteria causing the hip infection, leaving healthy human cells alone.

By treating this patient with a specially prepared phage medicine, the researchers hope to completely clear the infection from the hip joint and stop it from coming back. If successful, this could open the door to a brand new way of treating severe, hard-to-cure infections, offering a lifeline for other patients who have run out of options.

Key takeaways

This study is for a difficult-to-treat hip joint infection where other treatments have failed.
It uses 'phage therapy', which are natural viruses that kill specific bacteria.
The treatment involves injections into the hip and a 14-day drip.
It aims to clear the infection and prevent it from coming back.
It could offer new hope for severe infections.

Who may be eligible?

This study is for one female patient who has a long-lasting infection in her artificial hip joint. For her to be considered, the specific bacteria causing her infection must be shown in lab tests to be killable by the phage treatment being used in this study.

Crucially, this patient must have already tried many different treatments, including various antibiotics and operations, which unfortunately haven't cleared the infection. This study is for someone who has exhausted all the usual ways of tackling their infection.

However, there are reasons someone might not be able to join. For example, if they have very severe kidney or liver disease, a known allergy to similar treatments, a fever at the time of assessment, or if they are pregnant. Also, if they are already taking part in another clinical trial, they would not be able to join this one.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do I have a persistent infection in my artificial hip joint?
Has my doctor confirmed that the specific germ causing my infection can be killed by phages?
Have I tried many other antibiotic treatments and operations that haven't worked?
Do I have severe kidney or liver disease?
Am I currently pregnant?
Am I already taking part in another medical study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If chosen for this study, the patient would receive the phage treatment in two main ways. First, they would have two injections of the phage medicine directly into their hip joint and the area around it. Second, for 14 days, they would receive the phage medicine through a drip into a vein (known as intravenous therapy).

Throughout the study, the patient would have regular check-ups and tests to see how the treatment is working and to monitor their health. This includes blood tests, checks of their joint, and looking for any signs of the infection. The medical team will closely monitor the patient to ensure their safety and track the progress of the treatment. The total duration of the study, including follow-up care, would be explained in detail by the research team.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefit of taking part in this study is that the phage therapy could successfully clear your long-standing hip infection, something that other treatments haven't been able to do. This could significantly improve your quality of life. As with any new treatment, there might be some risks or side effects that aren't fully known yet. The medical team will carefully monitor you for any problems. Remember, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Foothills Medical Centre, University of Calgary
Verified postcode
Calgary, Canada

Common questions

What exactly is phage therapy?

Phage therapy uses natural viruses, called bacteriophages, that are specifically designed to infect and kill harmful bacteria, like the one causing your infection, without harming your human cells.

Is this a new treatment?

While phages have been known for a long time, using them in this way to treat specific infections is a newer approach, especially in countries like the UK, and is being carefully studied.

Will I feel sick from the injections or drip?

The medical team will monitor you closely during and after the injections and drip. Any potential side effects will be discussed with you, and care will be provided to manage them.

What happens if the treatment doesn't work?

The medical team will discuss all possible outcomes with you, including what steps would be taken if the phage therapy doesn't clear the infection, and will continue to support your care.

How long will I be involved in the study?

The treatment involves 14 days of intravenous therapy, but the full duration of your participation, including follow-up appointments, will be explained by the study team.