In a remarkable demonstration of medical volunteerism, Jake Eberts, 26, participated in a groundbreaking clinical trial at the University of Maryland in 2022, deliberately consuming a drink containing dysentery-causing bacteria to help researchers develop an effective vaccine.
Eberts joined a select group of volunteers who each received $7,000 to participate in the controlled infection study.
The trial required participants to ingest Shigella bacteria, the pathogen responsible for causing dysentery, a severe intestinal infection that contributes to hundreds of thousands of deaths annually worldwide.
“It’s the most brutally sick I have ever been,” Eberts reported after experiencing the trial’s effects.
His symptoms began approximately 40 hours after consuming the bacterial cocktail, leading to severe diarrhea and other significant gastrointestinal distress.
The trial, conducted under careful medical supervision at the University of Maryland’s Vaccine Research Center, aimed to advance the development of vaccines against Shigella.
This bacterium particularly affects children in developing countries and poses risks to military personnel and travelers.
During the trial, participants stayed at a dedicated medical facility where researchers closely monitored their symptoms and collected valuable data about the infection’s progression. This controlled environment allowed scientists to study the disease’s development and the body’s immune response in detail.
Dr. Martin Burkhardt, a lead researcher in the study, emphasized the importance of human challenge trials in vaccine development. “These trials, while demanding on volunteers, provide crucial insights that cannot be obtained through other research methods,” he explained.
The study represented a vital step in combating a disease that affects millions globally. According to the World Health Organization, Shigella causes approximately 600,000 deaths annually, with children under five in developing countries being particularly vulnerable.
Eberts’ participation highlighted the crucial role of human volunteers in medical research. Despite the severe symptoms he experienced, he maintained that contributing to potentially life-saving research made the ordeal worthwhile.
The trial included rigorous safety protocols and extensive pre-screening of volunteers to ensure their ability to withstand the infection. Participants received comprehensive medical care throughout the study and underwent follow-up monitoring after their recovery.
Editor’s Note: This article is based on coverage from Business Insider and medical documentation from the University of Maryland’s Vaccine Research Center. The clinical trial was conducted under FDA supervision and followed established ethical guidelines for human challenge studies.