RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Observational Study of Travellers Pathologies

This study, called 'EOP', aims to understand the health issues people face when they travel outside their home country, particularly to parts of the world often described as 'emerging' or developing. Many travellers can pick up tummy upsets, breathing problems, malaria, or have accidents. Researchers believe understanding more about why these happen – whether it's due to behaviour, the place itself, or the environment – will help create better advice for healthier travel. Through this research, they hope to minimise health risks for future travellers. Two smaller parts of the study will specifically look at tropical infections spread by insects (like mosquitoes) and antibiotic-resistant germs, by collecting blood and stool samples from volunteers.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Institut Pasteur

Enrolment target

11,000

Start

09 Dec 2024

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2036

Travel-Related Illness

What is this study about?

When people travel, especially to countries different from their own, they can sometimes face new health challenges. This study, called 'EOP' (Observational Study of Travellers Pathologies), wants to learn more about these health problems. Things like upset stomachs, chest infections, or even diseases like malaria can be a risk. The researchers believe that by understanding what causes these issues – for example, how people behave, where they travel, or the environment they're in – they can give better advice to help everyone travel more safely and avoid getting ill.

The main goal of the EOP study is to find out how often people get sick when they travel outside of their home country. This will help them to make clearer recommendations for future travellers. The study also has two specific areas of focus because of how much travel happens globally: understanding new germs that are appearing, and germs that are hard to treat with antibiotics.

To look into these two key areas, the EOP study includes two smaller parts. The first, called EOP-Arbo, focuses on infections spread by insects, like mosquitoes, to see how common they are and what makes someone more likely to catch them. For this, some participants will be asked to give blood samples. The second, called EOP-AMR, looks at the risk of picking up germs that are resistant to antibiotics. For this part, some participants will be asked to provide stool samples.

Key takeaways

A study to understand health risks for people travelling abroad.
Aims to create better travel health advice for everyone.
Involves sharing travel and health info via your smartphone.
May include providing blood and/or stool samples.
Focuses on preventing infections and antibiotic-resistant germs.
Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To join the main EOP study, you need to be 18 years or older and own a smartphone that can collect information digitally. You must be planning a trip outside of mainland France and be covered by a health insurance plan. Importantly, you need to be willing and happy to take part in the study.

If you're also interested in the EOP-Arbo part of the study (looking at insect-borne infections), you'll need to agree specifically to this part. For the EOP-AMR part (looking at antibiotic-resistant germs), you'll also need to give your agreement to participate.

There are some reasons why you couldn't join. For the main study, you can't join if your trip is shorter than 3 days or longer than 12 months. If you're moving abroad permanently without planning to travel much around that country, or if you can't legally agree to take part, you wouldn't be able to join. For the EOP-Arbo sub-study, if a doctor or researcher thinks you're not well enough to give blood samples, you wouldn't be able to take part in that specific section.

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.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a smartphone that can collect data?
Are you planning to travel outside mainland France?
Is your trip longer than 3 days but shorter than 12 months?
Are you covered by social security or private health insurance?
Are you willing to provide blood or stool samples if asked?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in the study, you'll first be asked to agree to participate. You'll need to use your smartphone to provide information about your travel plans and your health. Depending on which parts of the study you agree to, you might be asked to provide a blood sample (for the EOP-Arbo part) and/or a stool (poo) sample (for the EOP-AMR part). The researchers will tell you exactly when and how these samples will be collected. The study is observational, meaning you won't be given any special medication or treatment as part of the research itself, but your health and travel experiences will be monitored. The study will track your travel for a certain period, but your actual involvement in providing information and samples will be explained in detail if you sign up.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study won't directly improve your health, but the information you provide will help doctors and researchers understand more about travel-related illnesses. This means they can offer better advice and support for future travellers, helping to make holidays and trips safer for everyone. As for risks, giving blood samples can sometimes cause minor bruising or discomfort. Providing a stool sample is generally very safe. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Medical Center of Institut Pasteur
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of trips is this study interested in?

This study is interested in most trips outside of mainland France that are longer than 3 days but shorter than 12 months.

Will I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study is about observing your health and travel. You won't be given any medication as part of the research.

How will my information be collected?

You'll use your smartphone to share information with the study researchers. Some parts of the study also involve collecting blood and/or stool samples.

What happens if I change my mind about participating?

You can leave the study at any time you wish, without needing to explain why, and it won't affect your regular medical care.

What are 'emerging countries'?

In this study, it refers to countries where people might be more likely to encounter certain health risks, such as different infections, compared to their home country.

How to find out more

Fabien TAIEB, MD

fabien.taieb@pasteur.fr 0140613456 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.