The UK’s first study on doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (‘doxyPEP’) and antibiotic resistance

CNWL Sexual Health Services are the lead site for a new study on the impact of using doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (‘DoxyPEP’) to prevent sexually transmitted infections. The study will investigate antibiotic resistance and the impact on the microbiome in the gut and throat of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). This will help us explain to people using or thinking about using DoxyPEP what the possible risks and benefits are, and help us develop the tools to monitor antibiotic resistance.

Who can take part?

We are inviting GBMSM over the age of 18 to take part, who:

·         have used DoxyPEP in the last 3 months

·         or been treated for an STI with doxycycline in the last 3 months

·         or not had any antibiotics in the last 3 months

What does the study involve?

We are aiming to recruit 108 GBMSM in total. Participants will attend 3 study visits over 12 months. Participants will receive a £30 voucher for each study visit. At each visit, participants will complete a 15-minute questionnaire, have a throat swab taken, and provide a stool sample. Bacterial DNA in the samples will be analysed to identify the bacteria and look for antibiotic resistance.

To find out more or take part, visit doxypep.me/spear or email cnwl.spear@nhs.net.