A clinical trial to find out the best management of the bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus infection in the blood. A randomised clinical trial. Staphylococcus aureus Network Adaptive Platform trial (SNAP)
Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacterium that can cause severe, life-threatening blood infections. Even with antibiotic treatment, these infections can be difficult to cure. The SNAP trial is an NHS-supported international study looking at the best ways to treat people admitted to hospital with this condition. Researchers are comparing standard, approved antibiotics to discover which treatments work best. They are also testing whether patients who begin to recover can safely switch from a hospital drip to antibiotic tablets sooner, allowing them to go home earlier. In addition, the trial looks at whether specialized PET-CT scans can help doctors locate hidden infection and tailor care. Because all the medicines and scans used are already licensed and used regularly in the NHS, the trial is considered low risk. Taking part lasts about three months and helps improve care for future patients.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that often lives harmlessly on our skin. However, if it enters the bloodstream, it can cause a serious condition called bacteraemia, commonly known as a bloodstream infection. This can lead to severe illness, damage to organs, and long hospital stays. Even with standard antibiotic treatment, up to one in three people may not survive, which is why doctors urgently need to find better ways to manage this infection.
The SNAP study is a large, international trial designed to compare different ways of treating Staphylococcus aureus blood infections. Instead of testing completely new and unproven medicines, the trial uses antibiotics and scans that are already licensed and safely used in hospitals every day. The goal is to see which combination and timing of these existing tools give patients the best chance of a full recovery.
The trial focuses on three main questions. First, which standard antibiotic works best as the main treatment? Second, once a patient starts recovering, is it safe to switch them from an intravenous drip in hospital to antibiotic tablets they can take at home? Third, does giving patients a detailed body scan (called a PET-CT scan) help doctors spot hidden pockets of infection and plan better treatment? Because the study is 'adaptive', researchers review the results as they go, dropping treatments that perform less well and keeping the ones that work best.
Key takeaways
- The SNAP trial aims to find the best way to treat serious Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections.
- All medicines and scans used in the study are already licensed and standard in NHS care.
- Researchers are testing which antibiotics work best and whether patients can safely switch from a drip to tablets sooner.
- Participation lasts about three months while you recover, starting during your hospital stay.
- Taking part is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time without affecting your normal care.
Who may be eligible?
This trial is for people who are currently staying in a participating hospital and have had Staphylococcus aureus bacteria found in a recent blood test. Because treatment needs to begin quickly, patients must be enrolled within 72 hours of that blood test being taken.
People cannot take part if their blood culture shows more than one type of bacteria, or if they have had this same blood infection within the last six months. The trial is also not suitable for patients receiving end-of-life care, or where the clinical team feels that joining the study would not be in the patient's best medical interests.
Because this infection can make people very unwell very quickly, a patient's family member or legal representative may sometimes be asked to give consent first. As soon as the patient feels well enough, the team will speak with them directly so they can decide whether they wish to continue in the study.
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.
- You are currently admitted as an inpatient in a participating hospital.
- A blood test has confirmed you have a Staphylococcus aureus infection.
- The positive blood test was taken within the last 72 hours.
- You do not have multiple different bacterial infections in your blood at the same time.
- You have not taken part in the SNAP trial before or had this infection in the last six months.
What does participation involve?
If you take part, your medical care will be guided by the trial team while you are in hospital. A computer will randomly choose which standard antibiotic treatment you receive. Depending on the part of the trial you join, you may receive your antibiotics through a drip in your vein, or you might be moved to antibiotic tablets once you are improving so you can finish your recovery at home. Some participants may also have a PET-CT scan to look closely for any signs of infection in the body.
You will not need to take unapproved or experimental medicines. You will have regular checks, such as blood tests and temperature readings, which are already standard for this type of infection. Your active involvement in the study will last for around three months. During this time, the study team will track your recovery, and your health records may be reviewed for a longer period to see how you do over time.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (22)
- Barts Health NHS TrustUnverifiedLondon, England
- Bristol Royal Hospital for ChildrenUnverifiedBristol, England
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation TrustUnverifiedWorthing, England
- University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation TrustUnverifiedBristol, England
- Cardiff & Vale University LhbUnverifiedCardiff, Wales
- Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation TrustUnverifiedLondon, England
- Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS TrustUnverifiedHull, England
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS TrustUnverifiedLondon, England
- NHS LothianUnverifiedEdinburgh, Scotland
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS TrustUnverifiedLeeds, England
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustUnverifiedLiverpool, England
- Manchester University NHS Foundation TrustUnverifiedManchester, England
Common questions
Are the treatments being tested completely new?
No. All antibiotics and scans used in this study are already approved, licensed, and routinely used by NHS doctors to treat blood infections.
Can I choose which antibiotic or scan I receive?
No. A computer system selects the treatment at random, similar to the flip of a coin. This ensures the trial results are completely fair and unbiased.
What happens if my infection gets worse during the trial?
Your hospital doctors remain in full control of your care. If they feel your allocated treatment is not helping, they can change your antibiotics immediately.
Why is the trial testing tablet antibiotics?
Antibiotic drips usually require you to stay in hospital. If tablets work just as well, patients could safely go home earlier and recover in comfort.
What if I am too ill to give my consent at the start?
A family member or appointed representative may give consent on your behalf. Once you are feeling better, the study team will explain the trial to you so you can decide if you want to stay in it.
How to find out more
Anna Goodman
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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